Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri together with Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard addressed the UK-Malta Bilateral Conference on Law Enforcement and Judicial Cooperation under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The conference was organised by the British High Commission, with the support of the Malta Police Force and the Office of the Attorney General, and held at the Malta Police Headquarters.
The conference’s aim was to further consolidate the constant cooperation with regards to the professional ties between Malta and the UK in policing and prosecutorial sectors, as well to focus on the rule of law, defence and security matters among other strategic sectors emerging from the bilateral cooperation agreement between the two countries.
Minister Byron Camilleri said that such an agreement was enhanced during last month’s visit to Malta of the Secretary of the State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development James Cleverly. That visit showcased the close cooperation at bilateral level between the two sides but also within the confines of the UN Security Council, in which the two countries serve. During his speech, Minister Camilleri, also referred to the strong common tradition between the two countries in security and policing.
“The Malta Police Force, one of the main pillars of security in Malta, is currently undergoing a transformation to better reflect the needs of a modern, evolving, and dynamic society. Such a transformation strategy is also being implemented by means of the ongoing cooperation between the UK and Maltese authorities, so much so that the Community Police is a clear example of such cooperation,” stated Minister Camilleri.
Minister Jonathan Attard stated that Malta and the United Kingdom have a long strong history of cooperation and collaboration in all fields, with particular focus to our parliamentary set-up and also in judicial cooperation.
Minister Attard mentioned that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, is designed to enhance the ability of both countries to combat crime and terrorism, as well as to facilitate cross-border investigations and extradition proceedings.
“Under this agreement, the UK and Malta cooperate on a range of law enforcement and judicial issues, including exchange of information and intelligence, sharing of expertise and training, and the provision of mutual legal assistance. The agreement is also a pivotal tool for both countries to allow for the swift and efficient transfer of individuals wanted for crimes in either country,” stated Minister Attard.
Throughout the conference, representatives from various UK Agencies and authorities such as the Crown Prosecution Service, the National Crime Agency, the ICCC and the UK Central Authority, as well as the Maltese Attorney General discussed various themes that both countries can coordinate and collaborate on.
The British High Commissioner Katherine Ward thanked the Office of the Attorney General, the Malta Police Force and both ministries for collaborating with the High Commission. Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà and Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg were also present for the conference.
