Manama: 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.
According to Bahrain News Agency, 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 highlighted that contemporary security challenges have increasingly become cross-border, necessitating stronger cooperation, information exchange, and the use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to combat organized crime.
He underscored the necessity of accelerating information exchange and enhancing cooperation within the framework of INTERPOL and in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He expressed appreciation for INTERPOL’s efforts in supporting police forces globally and reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to contributing to joint efforts under the United Nations and its specialized offices to combat cross-border crime.
The minister showcased Bahrain’s accomplishments in this domain, including the arrest and extradition of nine internationally wanted individuals and the handover of 17 fugitives to requesting countries. In the fight against narcotics, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science collaborated with 12 countries, sharing over 97 pieces of information, conducting 18 operations with seven countries, and apprehending four individuals at border crossings based on international intelligence.
Additionally, in the area 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 emphasizing Bahrain’s dedication to bolstering international police cooperation through combating international crime, exchanging and analyzing information, and strengthening partnerships with other countries under INTERPOL to reduce crime rates and enhance global security.