VIENNA, 23 May - The Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Yury Fedotov welcomed the signing of a new Joint Plan of Action with Japan.
Mr. Fedotov was in Japan to attend the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V), which concluded in Yokohama today.
In the action plan, UNODC and Japan pledge to enhance regional cooperation in Africa as well as in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, and Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. The plan also identifies priority areas of cooperation, including terrorism, trafficking in drugs, human trafficking and cybercrime.
"The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Government of Japan have a long and fruitful history of cooperation across the globe, in areas ranging from countering illicit narcotic drugs, combating terrorism and strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice. I welcome this new Joint Plan of Action, which will serve to strengthen our efforts still further," said Mr. Fedotov.
While in Japan, Mr. Fedotov met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, together with other heads of international organizations, as well as Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss Japan's support for UNODC's work. Mr. Fedotov signed the Joint Plan of Action with Kenji Hiramatsu, Deputy Vice-Minister and Director General of the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry.
He addressed participants at TICAD V, including a session on enhancing peacebuilding efforts and a symposium on human security, emphasizing UNODC's integrated approach, working with regional partners in West Africa and the Sahel.
Mr. Fedotov referred to a recent UNODC Threat Assessment for West Africa, which highlighted the existence of methamphetamine production, cocaine and heroin trafficking, maritime piracy and smuggling of migrants, among other crimes.
"We know that insecurity and conflict fuel crime while drugs and crime fuel conflict and undermine security. Addressing these threats can contribute to building peace and promoting human security within and across regions," he said.
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For further information please contact:
David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060 5629
Mobile: (+43) 699 1459 5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
