Armenian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs meets with EU Drugs Agency delegation

A European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) delegation is in Yerevan for a technical visit under the EU4Monitoring Drugs II (EU4MD II) project.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan met with EU4MD II coordinator Ilze Jekabsone on Wednesday.

Colonel Vardan Vardanyan, the Deputy Police Chief and Head of the Criminal Police Department also participated in the meeting.

Ghazaryan briefed Jekabsone on the ministry’s policy in combatting narcotics and the draft anti-drug strategy, as well as the development of a crime-prevention strategy.

In context of the visa liberalization dialogue the deputy minister attached importance to bilateral cooperation, outlining opportunities for developing partnership within the framework of the public safety component.

Ghazaryan also spoke about deepening cooperation between Armenia and Europol, stressing the importance of Armenia appointing a liaison officer in Europol. He also highlighted the expansion of partnership with FRONTEX, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, which would contribute to the increase of efficiency in border control and combating crime.

Jekabsone presented the main directions of EUDA operations and details about cooperation with EU members and non-members, and the role of early warning in monitoring and prevention work.

Prospects of cooperation, opportunities of exchange of experience and other matters pertaining to combating drug trafficking were discussed.