Nicosia: Cyprus and Greece have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in tackling organised and cross-border crime, following a meeting in Athens between Cyprus Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris and Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting included a review of cooperation between the competent authorities of the two countries, which was described as excellent, as well as an exchange of views on the current challenges posed by organised criminal networks operating across borders and internationally.

Fytiris thanked Chrysochoidis and the Greek authorities for their longstanding and substantive support to the Republic of Cyprus, stressing the importance of the rapid exchange of information, operational cooperation, and the transfer of know-how and expertise.

The two Ministers reaffirmed their shared intention to deepen cooperation further, with the aim of improving the prevention of and response to organised crime and strengthening citizens' security.

The Justice Minister subsequently visited the Hellenic Police Officers' School, where he was briefed on its operation and on the structure and content of training and education programmes for police officers.

During the visit, possibilities for further cooperation and the exchange of expertise in police training were also discussed, with emphasis on drawing on the experience and good practices of the two countries.

Fytiris stressed the importance the Republic of Cyprus attaches to the continuous upgrading of the training of police officers, noting that investment in education, knowledge and professional training is a key prerequisite for a modern and effective Police Force.