Vienna. 17 January 2011. UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov and the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs of Mongolia, Nyamdorj Tsend, today agreed to strengthen cooperation on the interrelated areas of drug control, crime prevention and international terrorism in East and Central Asia.
Mr. Fedotov noted: "Our increased cooperation is an important step in moving toward further tackling the threat of drugs, crime and terrorism. Not only are these considered grave dangers to the region and further afield, but they also present real issues to Mongolia's development and human security".
UNODC's Executive Director Mr. Fedotov and the Minister, Mr. Nyamdorj signed a Joint Statement on their cooperation. Mr. Nyamdorj's working visit follows meetings last year between UNODC and Mongolia's Prime Minister, Sükhbaataryn Batbold, which focused on cooperation around drug control and crime prevention, fighting money laundering and financial crimes, and building capacity of law enforcement in the country. Today's meeting also served as the basis for an assessment team mission which is expected to be undertaken at the end of the first quarter 2011.
Mr. Nyamdorj expressed appreciation to UNODC for its efforts and leadership in fighting illicit drug trafficking and other forms of international crime, and emphasised the importance that the Government attached in further promoting cooperation in the areas of tackling corruption and human trafficking.
As a global leader in the fight against the various aspects of international crime, UNODC will be working closely with Mongolian authorities to tackle illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, transnational organized crime, corruption and financial crimes through the exchange of information, experts, and support. A key component of this partnership will be assisting the Mongolian Government in aligning national laws and regulations with international treaties that the country is party to.
For further information please contact:
Kevin Town, Associate Public Information Officer: UNODC
T: (+43-1) 26060-5575 | M: (+43-699) 1459-5575 | E: kevin.town@unodc.org
Or
Anne Thomas, Information Officer: UN Information Service, Vienna
T: (+43-1) 26060-5588 | M: (+43-699) 1459-5588 | E: anne.thomas@unvienna.org
