UAE officials get tips from NYPD

ArabianBusiness.com
Shane McGinley
Posted: Sunday, 21 July 2013 9:52 AM

During a recent visit to the New York Police Department (NYPD) in the USA, a UAE delegation of the Leadership Development and Creativity Center at the General Secretariat of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior’s Office, reviewed international best practices on leadership development, the WAM news agency reported.

The delegation met with the NYPD’s head of the development unit, Dr Robert Gonzalez. It also reviewed NYPD programmes in leadership, skills, and capacity development for NYPD members.

Earlier this month, Abu Dhabi and the US also signed an agreement to exchange security information in a bid to fight terrorism and enhance border security in both countries.

The agreement was signed in Washington DC between the Department of Finance’s General Directorate of Customs – Abu Dhabi and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The deal will see both organisations exchange training and technical assistance and expertise when dealing with customs inspections, but also includes “the exchange of security information, as is permitted by laws, policies and agreements in force at both countries, within an atmosphere of confidentiality to apply laws, fight terrorism and achieve general security,” a statement issued by the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, director general of Abu Dhabi Customs said: “This agreement falls in line with both parties’ commitments to protect their borders from any risks, whereby we seek to strengthen these two countries’ positions as safe destinations for travel and business. Hence, I would like to mention the great interest provided by the Department of Finance, in strengthening cooperative efforts with strategic partners at home and abroad.

“In fact, this enables the realisation of both parties’ common interests which then would contribute in supporting customs work, the process of border security and in facilitating the flow of legitimate trade across borders.”

The agreement is part of ongoing moves to enhance relations between Abu Dhabi and the US. In May it was announced authorities are in talks regarding a plan to allow US customs pre-clearance at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Under the agreement, passengers flying from the UAE capital to any US city would be cleared by American customs and immigration officials before boarding their flight, speeding up the entry process and helping the US screen passengers who might be denied entry before flying to the country.