SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, speaking at the opening of the 78th General Assembly of Interpol in Singapore on Monday, said countries must cooperate more closely to effectively tackle transnational crime and terrorism.

This can be done by sharing intelligence, watching for international fugitives and conducting joint enforcement actions.

Interpol is the largest police organisation which facilitates international cooperation, even when diplomatic relations do not exist between countries.

Mr Lee said: "This encourages member countries to contribute information on fugitives, terrorists, stolen goods, and stolen and lost travel documents. These are then collated into databases which can be accessed securely.

"Such cooperation has enabled countries to extend the long arm of the law beyond traditional borders to take collective action against a common enemy."

He added that Singapore has benefited greatly from international police cooperation. Through Interpol, wanted criminals and terrorists have been returned to face justice.

Singapore also uses the Mobile Interpol Network Database system to screen travel documents at checkpoints for stolen or lost passports.

Besides fighting crime, police officers have also taken on growing responsibilities in international peacekeeping. Mr Lee said this has come about because international agencies increasingly recognise the valuable roles that police forces play.

On Singapore's part, the Republic has taken part in ten international peacekeeping operations deploying some 450 civilian officers. Currently, the Singapore Police Force has a 21-member contingent in Timor-Leste.

DSP Sng May Yen, UN Peacekeeping Operations in Timor-Leste, said: "Before we deploy officers for missions, we undergo a three-week mission specific course. During this course, we will have weapons training, four-wheel drive and language courses.

"For Timor Leste, we had training in Bahasa Indonesia so that when officers are deployed there, they would be able to communicate with the locals more proficiently."

PM Lee said Singapore takes its peacekeeping duties seriously because failed states could become breeding grounds for international criminals and terrorists.

He said: "In our globalised world, disorder or worse, breakdown of political authority in one country threatens regional and international security. Failed states can become breeding grounds for international terrorism or bases for transnational criminal organisations.

"Countries, therefore, need to help others to help themselves. When we commit police peacekeepers to rebuild failed states, promote good governance and foster sustainable peace, we are also contributing to our own security.

"Hence, I support the partnership of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Interpol to bring the role of police peacekeepers to the forefront of the international security agenda."

Some 800 delegates from 187 countries are attending the Interpol General Assembly, the first time the event is being held in Singapore.


- CNA/so