Pretoria - South African and Chinese police have strengthened the ties between them and vowed to help each other fight crime.
Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula met with the People's Republic of China's Vice Minister of Public Safety Chen Zhimin on Friday where the two signed minutes of talks relating to police operations between the two countries after their discussions.
The talks focused on intensifying transnational crime combating operations but also explored lessons China and South Africa could learn from each other's security models.
Chen and Mbalula also discussed ways the countries could exchange intelligence information on a range of issues, including drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, arms smuggling and human trafficking.
Mbalula said a strategic relationship with China would promote cooperation and provide clear direction.
"We believe through today's minutes of talks, we will be able to work closely within the framework of enhanced policing. This will result in providing assistance in case investigation and handing over of criminal suspects subject to their laws relating to mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition," he said.
The exchange of experts and high level officials between the two countries were also discussed.
Chen said both countries had also affirmed their intentions to build on and strengthen cooperation in combating terrorist activities and transnational crimes.
"Both countries shall take within their own territory such measures as may be practical and feasible to ensure that institutions and persons from each country enjoy safety and security to the same extent as the inhabitants of their respective countries," the vice minister said.
