Cooperation among police forces urged

A ceremony was held yesterday at the Ministry of Interior to celebrate the annual Arab Police Day, calling for greater cooperation among regional police forces.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the ministry and various police departments of the country, and representatives from government departments and media.

It was attended by the Ministry's Assistant Undersecr-setary for Security Affairs, Major General Saif Al Sha'afar, who honoured outstanding policemen and officers, journalists and officials from different organisations and departments for their cooperation with the police.

In his opening speech, Major General Al Sha'afar said that the day, which is celebrated on December 18, is a source of unity and further cooperation among the police forces of the Arab world and "reminds us of our responsibilities towards providing security to our country and its people.

"It is also a great honour for all of us that we are marking this event, which coincides with the ongoing celebrations of Eid Al Fitr and the 31st National Day anniversary of the UAE. I take this opportunity to congratulate our people and our brothers and sisters in the Arab world on these occasions."

The ministry official further added that this cooperation has also helped the Arab police to provide security to the region and its people.

"In UAE, we have made tremendous strides to provide security in all the fields of life. Thanks to the good planning and programmes of the ministry, people in the country, both nationals and expatriates, feel safe and find the UAE a secure place to live."

He also referred to the advanced technology introduced and adopted by the police forces of the country. "The modern age police in the UAE is based on a full and effective legal and law and order framework that deals with all security issues.

"The security system and the legal framework of the country kept on changing for further improvement over the years to suit with the infrastructural developments and social environmental changes."

Al Sha'afar attributed all these developments and achievements to the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council's members and Rulers of the Emirates. The ceremony was also addressed by other officials of the ministry.