Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu, during his visit to the United States, had a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, during which topics on the common MAI - DHS (Department of Homeland Security) cooperation agenda were addressed.
According to an Interior Ministry (MAI) press release sent to AGERPRES on Sunday, the meeting on Friday covered migration management, border security, combating organised crime and emerging threats, including risks associated with cross-border crime.
The role of the Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit in Bucharest, a structure created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and DHS, unique in the region, which operates as a regional hub also covering the Western Balkans, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, was highlighted, the ministry pointed out.
The Interior minister presented the advanced programmes implemented by the ministry together with DHS, based on the concluded legal documents, for the rapid identification and prevention of security threats: the Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP) and the Automated Targeting System - Global (ATS-G) programme. It was emphasised that Romania is among the few states that have made the EBSP instrument operational.
The two officials also addressed aspects related to the Visa Waiver Programme. 'The Romanian side underlined the major public interest that this issue has in Romania and presented the technical instruments already operational. It was agreed to continue the dialogue and cooperation on this subject,' the press release reads.
Predoiu also proposed that the American side consider strengthening the presence of DHS representatives within the unit in Bucharest, with the American side noting this possibility 'with interest.'
The two officials agreed to remain in direct contact regarding the discussed agenda.
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