China, Europol to strengthen practical cooperation

THE HAGUE  -- China and the European Police Office (Europol) will strengthen law-enforcement cooperation to create a good environment for the development of relations between China and Europe, a visiting Chinese security official told Xinhua.

Visiting State Councilor Guo Shengkun said law-enforcement cooperation is an important part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Europe during a meeting with Europol Director Rob Wainwright on Monday.

Guo, who is also China's minister of public security, said both sides should further improve the communication mechanism, give prominence to the key points, and step up practical cooperation in fighting against terrorism, cybercrime, illegal migration and in tracking down fugitives.

With economic, trade and personnel exchanges on the rise, China hopes that law-enforcement bodies in the European Union will effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals and organizations in Europe, Guo said.

For his part, Wainwright said Europol attaches importance to its strategic cooperation with China. Europol is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with China to combat crime and promote the long-term, sound and stable development of law-enforcement cooperation.