Interpol to open regional office in Saudi Arabia to strengthen MENA security cooperation
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Interpol has signed an agreement to establish a regional office in Saudi Arabia, strengthening its presence in the Middle East and North Africa. The new office aims to enhance international policing efforts and foster greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies across the region.
The host country agreement was signed on Wednesday by Hisham Al-Faleh, undersecretary at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, and Jurgen Stock, secretary-general of Interpol. The signing ceremony was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, the Saudi Minister of Interior, along with Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, president of Interpol.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the agreement marks a significant step in bolstering regional security and facilitating the exchange of intelligence and expertise between Interpol and law enforcement agencies in MENA.
Alongside the agreement, discussions were held on Interpol’s ongoing activities and future initiatives. The meeting included high-ranking Saudi officials such as Deputy Minister of Interior Nasser Al-Dawood and Brig. Gen. Abdulmalik Al-Saqeeh, director general of Saudi Interpol.
The establishment of an Interpol office in Saudi Arabia shows the Kingdom’s growing role in international policing efforts, reinforcing its commitment to combating transnational crime and enhancing regional security cooperation.