The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) brought together senior officials from Israel and the Palestinian Authority to discuss cooperation on combating drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
The meeting, which took place in the Cairo premises of the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa from 28-30 November, focused on the growth in illicit activities related to drug trafficking in the region.
This is bringing increased profits to local and international criminal gangs which could be used for other illicit activities, including terrorism and arms smuggling.
Both sides agreed to cooperate and coordinate their activities to combat this threat to security, democratic development and political stability, with the UNODC Regional Office facilitating the process.
The two delegations agreed to cooperate at all levels in their efforts to control drugs and related criminal activities. A joint declaration was approved outlining the establishment of mechanisms for improving coordination and strengthening cross-border cooperation and controls.
The two sides encouraged the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa to continue its work to promote dialogue between the relevant agencies and to mobilize support for the Palestinian drug authorities in terms of institution-building and training.
The event was preceded by a two-day meeting with the Palestinian Authority on technical assistance provided by UNODC in the field of drug law enforcement and demand reduction.
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For further information, contact:
Leif Villadsen
Programme Coordinator
UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa
Tel (202) 359 8899
Fax: (202) 359 1656
E-mail: leif.villadsen@unodc.org
