Interior Minister: Bahrain committed to enhancing international police cooperation
Manama, Sep. 5 (BNA): General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, delivered a speech to mark the International Day of Police Cooperation, observed annually on September 7.
The minister said that Bahrain joins the international community in celebrating the occasion, based on the conviction that comprehensive cooperation and coordination at the global level enhance collective capabilities in combating crime and improving safety and security worldwide.
He noted that the Ministry of Interior is working to advance these efforts under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow up of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to contribute effectively to strengthening security cooperation in all domains.
General Shaikh Rashid said that contemporary security challenges have increasingly become cross-border, requiring stronger cooperation and the exchange of information and expertise, alongside the use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to combat organised crime. He emphasised the importance of accelerating information exchange and strengthening cooperation within the framework of INTERPOL and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He expressed appreciation for INTERPOL’s professional efforts in supporting police forces worldwide and reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to contributing to joint efforts under the United Nations and its specialised offices concerned with combating cross-border crime.
The minister highlighted Bahrain’s achievements in this field, including the arrest and extradition of nine internationally wanted persons, and the handover of 17 fugitives from justice to requesting countries. In combating narcotics, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science shared more than 97 pieces of information with 12 countries, conducted 18 operations with seven countries, and arrested four individuals at border crossings in possession of narcotics based on international intelligence.
He added that in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, the Financial Intelligence National Centre exchanged over 96 pieces of information with various countries.
The minister concluded by reiterating Bahrain’s commitment to consolidating international police cooperation through combating international crime, exchanging and analysing information, and strengthening partnerships with other countries under INTERPOL, in order to reduce crime rates and enhance global security.
