UAE stresses need for regional cooperation to curb trafficking

Abu Dhabi: The efforts of the UAE in combating narcotics and other types of crimes are serious in putting an end to addiction, which affects the society in a multi-faceted manner on different social, economic and security levels," Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, said on Wednesday.

Lt Gen Shaikh Saif met with Antonio Maria Costa, chief executive of the UN's Anti Narcotics and Crimes Bureau, yesterday. He said narcotics addiction is related to several other issues, such as theft, road accidents, abuse, family fragmentation and others.

The UAE and the UN Anti Narcotics Bureau signed a pact for bilateral co-operation, where the two parties agreed to set up a semi-regional office in Abu Dhabi, affiliated to the UN and its Anti Narcotics Bureau.

The agreement aims at enhancing bilateral co-operation in the technical and preventive fields through setting up relations with the specialised local authorities and the rest of the Gulf countries, and exchanging expertise.

Meanwhile, a top official said the UAE is committed to fight trans-national human trafficking by linking with international initiatives.

Commitment

"The UAE is committed to enhance its participation in regional and international events to further activate the international efforts aimed at combating this criminal activity that has affected many societies in the world," said Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Dr Gargash, who is also chairman of the UAE National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, was speaking on the occasion of the UAE's participation in a regional conference held in Kabul, Afghanistan on October 12 and 13.

Dr Saeed Al Ghufi, executive director at the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, who led the UAE delegation to the conference, said delegates of other countries commended the determination of the UAE to fight this crime through the National Committee, which has unveiled an integrated plan to strengthen awareness and build ties with international organisations and other countries to curb this threat.

The UAE delegation presented a paper that included the efforts and initiatives launched by the country and the steps taken to minimise the negative impact of this crime on the UAE society.