Pretoria - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Cyprus High Commissioner Argyros Antoniou have signed a deal that will see the fight against crime boosted in the two countries.
Signing the agreement on behalf of government on Wednesday, Minister Mthethwa said: "It was imperative to form partnerships in the global fight against organised crime."
The minister explained that through the agreement, the two countries will share experiences and exchange information on police matters.
"We will be exchanging a lot of things and for us this is the beginning of proper policing," he said.
Commissioner Antoniou echoed similar sentiments of partnership against crime, saying crime was increasing all over the world.
"Partnership is very important in the fight against crime. I believe police cooperation is very essential in the world we live in and is a tool in combating terrorism and international crime," the commissioner said.
The agreement will among other things ensure cooperation around preventing, detecting and investigating crime, which include corruption and organised crime.
Minister Mthethwa expressed his gratitude following the signing of the agreement, saying crime is a global phenomenon and as such partnerships were required to curb this scourge.
"Issues around transnational crime can only be dealt with effectively if governments that are tasked with ensuring safety of citizens cooperate with each other," the minister said.
Through the agreement, the two countries will work jointly in detecting crimes which are being planned or have been committed.
High Commissioner Antoniou added that the agreement is a confirmation that the relations between the two countries is growing from strength to strength.
Also as part of the agreement, the South African Police Ministry and the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Justice and Public Order will undertake to cooperate in dealing with illicit production of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances including materials used in their production.
