Pretoria - The Ministry of Police says it has noted with concern media comments insinuating that Minister Nathi Nhleko opted to attend a conference in Russia rather than deal with the issues pertaining to attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.
"It is unfortunate that an impression is being created that the minister of Police has abandoned his responsibility “for a low-key” meeting in Russia. Nothing could be further from the truth," the ministry said in a statement.
It said the the minister is currently attending the 2nd Moscow Anti-Drug Ministerial Conference, a meeting that has seen the signing of a protocol aimed at combating the drugs scourge as well as the adoption of the declaration by participating nations.
"Drug abuse and drug trafficking is a problem that South Africa, like other countries, is grappling with. It is a scourge that is affecting most of our youth and, in some instances the economically active population of the country. Certainly this can’t be less important," the ministry said. The protocol commits the different countries to develop “a framework for joint anti-drug activities” as well as “strengthening existing international system of control of illegal drug trafficking based on the provisions of the UN Conventions on Drugs” and other action to deal with this threat to “peace and security, sustainable economic development and health and welfare.
This protocol was signed by participating nations earlier this week and will become part of the discussions by the leaders of the various nations at the BRICS summit in July this year. Minister Nhleko will proceed to China where he will hold bilateral talks on policing with his counterpart. He will also use this opportunity to communicate that South Africa is a stable and safe country that both Russian and Chinese tourists are welcome to visit.
"Both these engagements are very critical to building partnerships that will enhance the effort of fighting crime in South Africa as well as internationally." - SAnews.gov.za
