SA, Cyprus in police cooperation deal
16 July 2010
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Cyprus High Commissioner Argyros Antoniou have signed a deal through which the police services of the two countries will share experiences and exchange information on police matters.
Signing the agreement on behalf of government on Wednesday, Minister Mthethwa said it was "imperative to form partnerships in the global fight against organised crime".
"Issues around transnational crime can only be dealt with effectively if governments that are tasked with ensuring safety of citizens cooperate with each other," Mthethwa said.
Antoniou echoed his sentiments, saying police cooperation was "essential in the world we live in, and is a tool in combating terrorism and international crime".
The agreement will ensure cooperation around preventing, detecting and investigating crime, which include corruption and organised crime.
As part of the agreement, the South African Police Service and the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Justice and Public Order will cooperate in tackling the production of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Combating transnational crime
Through the agreement, the two countries will work jointly in detecting crimes which are being planned or have been committed.
Antoniou added that the agreement was confirmation that relations between South Africa and Cyprus was growing from strength to strength.
Source: BuaNews
