Rome: "IPA 2013 Western Balkans" Conference
"The most sensitive area is terrorism. The Balkan region is a buffer area as these are transit countries for criminal flows" said Police Chief Alessandro Pansa, speaking at the "IPA 2013 Western Balkans" conference, held at the Police Academy in Rome.
"We are collaborating with specialized officers in the Balkans. These projects are very important considering the geographical proximity of our countries", he added.
The conference, chaired by Interior Minister Angelino Alfano and Police Chief Alessandro Pansa, was attended by the Interior Ministers of Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo.
Minister Alfano said: "This is an important day. We are cooperating with the Balkans. The Balkan route is known for illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Today, thanks to this project, we have taken significant concrete steps forward."
The aim of the meeting is strengthening international police cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as enhancing crime prevention and reduction through methods of intervention shared among the member countries of the European Union. It also aims at improving the exchange of information and sharing communication technologies in order to initiate joint investigations.