On August 14, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat had the pleasure of receiving a visit from Mr. Rob Pepper, Second Secretary Political at the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, and Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jones, the United Kingdom’s Counter Terrorism Police Liaison Officer based at the British Embassy in Manila, Philippines.
The delegation was
warmly welcomed by the Executive Director of ASEANAPOL Secretariat, Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan; Director for Police Services, Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Bakri Zainal Abidin; Director for Plans and Programmes, Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc; and Head of Administrative and Technical Staff, Superintendent Azrul Hisham Mohd Shaffei.
The purpose of the visit was to explore potential avenues for future collaboration between the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur and ASEANAPOL, with the Secretariat acting as a coordinating partner. The meeting included discussions on a future cooperation framework, where both sides expressed a mutual interest in addressing transnational crimes, particularly in the area of counter-terrorism.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jones emphasized the United Kingdom’s strong commitment to working with ASEAN Member Countries through the exchange of timely and relevant information to combat transnational crime. He further expressed interest in partnering with ASEANAPOL to enhance collective counter-terrorism efforts across the region.
In response, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat assured its readiness to collaborate with its partners in pursuing proactive programs aimed at capacity building and information exchange. The Secretariat affirmed that it stands prepared to work closely with the British High Commission and other stakeholders to address emerging threats and enhance security cooperation.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to explore further opportunities for capacity-building training programs and other initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation against transnational crime and terrorism.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe"