(BRATISLAVA) - Slovakia and Ukraine signed an accord Friday aimed at easing border crossings for citizens living near their frontier which became more difficult following Slovakia's December 2007 entry into the EU's passport-free Schengen zone.

While Schengen membership made passport-free travel within the 29-state zone possible for Slovaks, it created a stricter regime on the Ukrainian border and complicated the lives of those living on either side of the frontier.

The new accord allows those living near the border visa-free travel to their neighbour up to 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the frontier for a maximum 30 days for social, cultural, economical or family grounds based on a special long-term permit.

It also sets a limit of 90 days in the neighbouring country during any 180-day period.

"This will be a great help as it will facilitate the visa regime for 400,000 inhabitants in 295 towns and villages," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ogryzko said in a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart Jan Kubis.

The deal is subject to approval by parliaments in both countries.

"We will do everything in order that it comes into force as soon as possible. We want that the Slovak parliament decide this issue before the start of the summer," Kubis said.

Kubis also confirmed Slovak support for Ukraine's membership of the European Union and NATO.

Ukraine's EU entry aspirations are currently stalled due to divided views within the 27-strong European bloc about Kiev's membership bid.

The European Union has included Ukraine in its "neighbourhood policy," aimed at strengthening ties with neighbours, but it has stressed this does not imply eventual membership.

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