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KIGALI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Police officers from Rwanda and Uganda Thursday agreed here to enhance cooperation against transnational and organized crimes.
The two sides held a meeting at the Rwanda National Police headquarters, which was co-chaired by the Inspector General of Rwanda National Police Emmanuel K. Gasana and his Ugandan counterpart Gen. Kale Kayihura.
The quarterly bilateral meeting explored ways to enhance border security between the two countries and cooperate in addressing contemporary crimes, according to officials.
It follows a similar meeting held in western Uganda Mbarara district in October 2016 which drew 13 recommendations centered around effective information sharing.
Speaking at the meeting, IGP Gasana noted that Rwanda appreciates the existing historical, bilateral and brotherly relations between the two police institutions.
The cooperation involves exchange of information, joint training of officers, joint awareness campaigns of border communities against crime, security operations along the Northern Corridor among others.
He called for enhanced cooperation between the two institutions in the fight against drug trafficking, motor-vehicle theft, economic and financial crimes, human trafficking and cyber related crimes.
On his part, Gen. Kayihura noted that they remain committed to strengthening the existing cooperation to keep citizens in both countries safe.
Generally, security has improved in the region, he said, although we are still stagnating in some areas of cross border crimes. "We must optimize the best practices from each other and deepen our capacities in fighting cybercrimes," Kayihura said.
The meeting agreed to enhance police cooperation, lay strategies for combating crimes, exchange timely information and lay strategies against transnational crimes.
It also resolved to ensure timely sharing of information on criminals involved in production and trafficking of narcotic drugs and to continue developing capabilities through focused training, sharing of experiences and best practices. Enditem
