KYIV. Aug 17 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ambassador Harcourt Andrew Pretorius Tesoriere has been appointed as Head of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to Moldova and Ukraine, the EU Delegation to Ukraine has reported.
“I am delighted to have been selected for this position. I very much look forward to consolidating and strengthening EUBAM’s close working relationship with our partners in Moldova and Ukraine, both those in government service, but also elected representatives, the business community and civil society. I also wish to contribute positively within the terms of EUBAM’s mandate to inclusive solutions that enhance regional cooperation, including economic prosperity for Transnistria,” Tesoriere said.
“He is taking up this position at a crucial time for the Mission, when strengthening regional border security has never been more vital. At the same time, security must be supported by building economic prosperity in the region including Transnistria. The implementation of Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with Moldova and Ukraine will further facilitate regional trade and strengthen economic stability of these countries. The EU Border Assistance Mission has an important role to play in delivering on this agenda as part of the EU’s wider efforts,” the EU Delegation to Ukraine said.
Before his appointment, Andrew Tesoriere served as the Deputy Head of Mission since December 2014. He has deep experience at a senior level with the UN, OSCE, NATO and the British Government in the work of EUBAM, notably integrated border management, trade facilitation, good governance and mediation.
Andrew Tesoriere is a former senior British diplomat and is a specialist in security, trans-boundary, governance and Islamic issues. He has served as British Ambassador to Albania, Algeria and Latvia; and Chargé d’Affaires to Afghanistan and Syria. Andrew has served in the British Armed Forces, as Executive Chairman of the OSCE postgraduate Academy, and has studied diverse languages, including French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Farsi, Pashto, Latvian and Albanian.
EUBAM’s primary objective is to make a sustainable contribution to the development of border-management procedures, thus deterring cross-border crime and fraud. By serving the legitimate needs of Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens, travelers and business, including from Transnistria, EUBAM contributes to enhancing regional security and economic development. The Mission has been working with the border and customs services of Moldova and Ukraine since 2005 to assist the two states in bringing their control procedures into line with EU and international standards. The Mission is funded under the EU’s European Neighborhood Instrument.
