Joint efforts key to securing nation's borders: official

Abu Dhabi: The collective efforts of different agencies working at the various entry and exit points of the country are key in tackling border security, a senior police official has said.

"The biggest challenge faced by authorities in securing the borders is that there are several agencies working at these places towards the same goal.

"But there is room for better cooperation between these agencies," said Lieutenant Colonel Dr Jamal Saif Faaris, head of the International Cooperation section at the Ports and Security division of the Ministry of Interior.

"For instance, at some ports we can find police, customs and health ministry officials working in different sections, each functioning independently.

"Ideally a committee should be established to oversee the cooperation between these sections," he said.

Calling for an integrated approach in tackling security issues, Dr Faaris said that to ensure effective cooperation, clear cut laws had to be put in place.

He was speaking at a three day seminar on land, sea and air security organised by Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) in cooperation with the Centre for Research and Security Studies at the Abu Dhabi Police.

Opening the seminar, Major General Obaid Ketbi said that the land, sea and air outlets are important from the security, economic and social perspectives considering the increased number of people and goods crossing the borders.

He added that the current times call for increased vigilance as well as sharing of knowledge.