INTERPOL to Establish MENA Regional Office in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) signed a Host Country Agreement on January 29, 2025, to establish a regional office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Riyadh. The agreement was witnessed by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz and INTERPOL President Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, following a meeting at the Ministry of Interior where they reviewed the organization’s efforts and discussed topics of mutual interest.

Context and Background

Saudi Arabia has long been a key partner in international security and law enforcement cooperation. As a founding member of INTERPOL, the Kingdom has actively supported global efforts to combat transnational crime, terrorism, and cyber threats. The decision to host the MENA regional office underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance as a hub for regional stability and security cooperation, aligning with its broader ambitions to enhance multilateral partnerships under Vision 2030.

Key Details of the Agreement

The Host Country Agreement was signed by Ministry of Interior Undersecretary Dr. Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al-Faleh and INTERPOL Secretary-General Jürgen Stock. The meeting between Prince Abdulaziz and President Al-Raisi was attended by senior Saudi officials, including Deputy Minister of Interior Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood, Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, and Saudi INTERPOL Director-General Brigadier General Abdulmalik Al Saqeeh. The regional office will enhance INTERPOL’s presence in the MENA region, facilitating faster communication and coordination among member countries on cross-border security threats.

Implications and International Impact

This development positions Saudi Arabia as a central hub for international law enforcement in the MENA region. The new office will enable more efficient sharing of intelligence and operational support for combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. It also strengthens the Kingdom’s role as a reliable partner for global security initiatives, building on its ongoing collaborations with INTERPOL and other international bodies. The agreement reflects growing international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s institutional capabilities and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Hosting the INTERPOL MENA regional office directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of enhancing national security, fostering international cooperation, and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in strategic sectors. This initiative aligns with the goal of building a safe and stable environment that encourages investment, tourism, and economic diversification. By strengthening its role in global security governance, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating a prosperous and secure future for the region and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What was signed between Saudi Arabia and INTERPOL?

A1. A Host Country Agreement was signed to establish a regional office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Saudi Arabia.

Q2. When was the Host Country Agreement signed?

A2. The agreement was signed on January 29, 2025, in Riyadh.

Q3. Who witnessed the signing of the agreement?

A3. Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz and INTERPOL President Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi witnessed the signing.

Q4. Who signed the agreement on behalf of Saudi Arabia?

A4. The agreement was signed by Ministry of Interior Undersecretary Dr. Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al-Faleh.

Q5. Who signed the agreement on behalf of INTERPOL?

A5. INTERPOL Secretary-General Jürgen Stock signed the agreement.

Q6. What is the purpose of the new INTERPOL office?

A6. The office will serve as a regional hub for the Middle East and North Africa to enhance security cooperation.

Q7. Where will the new INTERPOL office be located?

A7. The office will be established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q8. Which senior Saudi officials attended the signing ceremony?

A8. Deputy Minister of Interior Dr. Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood and Director of Public Security Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami attended.

Q9. What topics were discussed during the meeting?

A9. The meeting reviewed INTERPOL’s efforts and discussed topics of mutual interest between Saudi Arabia and INTERPOL.

Q10. How does this agreement benefit Saudi Arabia?

A10. It strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a key partner in international security and enhances its position as a regional hub for law enforcement.

Q11. What is the role of INTERPOL in global security?

A11. INTERPOL facilitates international police cooperation to combat transnational crime, terrorism, and cyber threats.

Q12. Why is the MENA region important for INTERPOL?

A12. The MENA region faces unique security challenges, including terrorism and organized crime, requiring coordinated regional responses.

Q13. How does this agreement support Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It aligns with Vision 2030 by enhancing national security and promoting international cooperation for a stable environment.

Q14. What types of crimes will the office help combat?

A14. The office will assist in combating drug trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, and other cross-border criminal activities.

Q15. Is Saudi Arabia a member of INTERPOL?

A15. Yes, Saudi Arabia is a founding member of INTERPOL and has long supported its global initiatives.

Q16. What is a Host Country Agreement?

A16. A Host Country Agreement is a legal framework that establishes the terms for an international organization to operate in a host country.

Q17. How will this office affect regional security cooperation?

A17. It will facilitate faster communication and intelligence sharing among MENA member countries to address common threats.

Q18. Who is the INTERPOL President?

A18. Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi serves as the President of INTERPOL.

Q19. Who is the INTERPOL Secretary-General?

A19. Jürgen Stock serves as the Secretary-General of INTERPOL.

Q20. What does this agreement signal about Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. It signals growing international trust in Saudi Arabia’s capabilities and its commitment to leading security initiatives in the region.

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