N Mthethwa: solidarity funds signing ceremony

9 March 2009

Ambassador Extraordinary Your Excellency Mr D Pietton
Esteemed Members of the French Diplomatic Corps
Our Deputy National Commissioners
Commissioner Pruis
Commissioner Hlela
Commissioner Stander
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

Your Excellency, the South African Police Service (SAPS), my entire
delegation and I are immensely honoured and delighted that you found time to be
with us on this very important cooperative and developmental endeavour between
France and South Africa.

We wish to convey the warmest greetings of the government and people of
South Africa to the government and people of France. The people of France stood
shoulder to shoulder with their South African sisters and brothers as we
prosecuted a long and painful struggle to end the evil system of apartheid.

This for us, is yet another opportunity to again say thank you to the
government and people of France for the help you gave us, and for the continued
assistance you render as we work to reconstruct our country and ensure that the
new South Africa plays a just and progressive role within the family of
nations.
The bonds of friendship and solidarity between France and South Africa continue
to gain strength.

In 1998 our respective governments signed a Co-operation Agreement with the
desire to make an active contribution in combating criminal activity in all its
forms.

We undertook to co-operate in the prevention, detection suppression and
investigation of crime, including but not limited to:
* corruption and organised crime
* illicit trafficking of firearms, ammunition, explosives and poisonous
substances
* economic crimes, including money-laundering, production and sale of forged
banknotes, securities and other fraudulent documents
* trafficking in stolen goods
* human trafficking.

This co-operation is informed by our shared understanding that the world
community cannot afford to function in isolation in what has essentially become
a connected global village. The very nature of this global community makes it
all the more easier for criminals to exploit lack of integration and
co-operation in global initiatives. Sharing of experiences, information, skills
and knowledge is critical in the effort to defeat crime. The French support
programme has greatly enhanced our capacity in the fields of Public Safety and
Police Training.

The training of SAPS members in specialised fields, procurement of
specialised technical equipment, as well as the sharing of expertise in the
field of tracking have all strengthened the fight against crime. We are deeply
grateful to France for the priority solidarity funds agreement, an initiative
that will strengthen our capacity to fight transnational crimes.

I am pleased that our governments share a common determination to defeat
crime, as well as reinforce our capacity to respond to terrorist threats as we
work to realise the goal of a better life for all. Your Excellency, we would
once more wish to convey our gratitude to the government and people of France
on their continued effort to help us turn our dreams into reality.

Thank you.

Issued by: Department of Safety and Security
9 March 2009