Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen: Efficient international cooperation key to preventing and combating crime
Finnish Minister of the Interior Ms Päivi Räsänen and Minister of Internal Affairs of Kosovo Mr Bajram Rexhepi today signed a Memoradum of Understanding between Finland and Kosovo on police cooperation in preventing and combating crime. Mr Bajram Rexhepi visits Finland from 2 to 3 October 2013. This is the first time Kosovo's Minister of Internal Affairs visits Finland.
With the Memorandum, the Ministers decide on cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kosovo and the Ministry of the Interior of Finland, and between the law enforcement authorities of these countries. The countries will cooperate in preventing and combating crime, in particular through the exchange of information and experience, in accordance with their national legislation and international obligations. The exchange of information and experience will take place in areas of serious crime listed in the Memorandum and in the field of investigative techniques. The Memorandum does not require amendments to national legislation.
From Finland's perspective, crime between the two countries is under good control.
"This Memorandum of Understanding allows us to further develop and strengthen police cooperation between Finland and Kosovo," said Ms Räsänen.
"I consider it very important that we have close cooperation relations with actors in other European countries. This allows us to obtain timely information quickly and to take efficient action."
The new Memorandum of Understanding between Finland and Kosovo covers increased police cooperation in a number of areas, such as preventing and combating organised crime, terrorism and cybercrime.
"Efficient international cooperation is central to preventing and combating crime in these areas," said Ms Räsänen.
Finland and Kosovo already engage in close cooperation on the basis of agreements previously concluded, and the new Memorandum of Understanding will continue this good cooperation. During Ms Räsänen's visit to Kosovo in November 2011, the two Ministers signed an agreement between Finland and Kosovo on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation. In addition, the Police College of Finland and the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety recently signed a cooperation agreement concerning education and training.
For further information, please contact
Mr Niklas Andersson, Special Adviser, tel +358 71 878 8213
Mr Erkki Hämäläinen, Director of International and EU Affairs, tel. +358 71 878 8570
