Saudi minister visits INTERPOL HQ: What to know about the €1m pledge and regional bureau plan | World News

Saudi Arabia earlier agreed to host INTERPOL’s new MENA Regional Bureau and pledged €1 million to its I-CORE programme/ Image: INTERPOL

TL;DR

In a high-level visit underscoring Saudi Arabia’s deepening role in international policing, Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud met with senior INTERPOL officials in Lyon, reaffirming the Kingdom’s strategic support for the organization’s mission and ongoing digital transformation. The visit came amid progress on a planned INTERPOL Regional Bureau in Riyadh and follows significant Saudi contributions to global security initiatives.

Strengthening Ties at the Highest Level

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, visited the headquarters of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in Lyon, France, where he was received by INTERPOL President Maj. Gen. Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi and Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza. The visit served as a reaffirmation of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing support for INTERPOL and its commitment to strengthening international cooperation against transnational crime. Prince Abdulaziz emphasized that the visit was made at the directive of the Kingdom’s leadership and reflected Saudi Arabia’s continued priority in bolstering global security frameworks. In his meetings, Prince Abdulaziz praised INTERPOL’s critical role in fostering law enforcement partnerships across borders and supporting international peace and stability. In turn, INTERPOL officials, including Dr. Al-Raisi and Secretary General Urquiza, commended the Kingdom’s active contributions to international security, citing both financial and strategic support that has enhanced the organization’s capabilities.

Operational Collaboration and Security Briefings

During the visit, the Saudi delegation held detailed discussions with INTERPOL leadership on expanding operational collaboration between the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the organization. These talks included cooperative strategies for tackling cross-border crime, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives. Prince Abdulaziz and his delegation were also briefed on INTERPOL’s police capabilities in addressing emerging threats such as cybercrime and financial fraud. A tour of INTERPOL’s Security Operations Center showcased the organization’s advanced technological and human resources, which the Minister publicly commended. A key focus of the briefing was INTERPOL’s I-CORE (INTERPOL Capabilities for Operational Relevance) programme, which aims to modernize global police cooperation through digital transformation. Secretary General Urquiza highlighted Saudi Arabia’s “important leadership” and “generous support” for I-CORE, noting that the Kingdom’s contributions were helping to accelerate the organization’s shift toward a more connected global policing network.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in the I-CORE Programme

INTERPOL’s I-CORE programme is a 10-year initiative designed to improve global police information flows and boost frontline operational capacity through innovation. It includes three major projects, notably “Smart Case Messaging,” a web-based system that applies artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of police communications. Due to the programme’s cost—estimated at EUR 80 million—INTERPOL has sought financial backing from member countries. On July 10, 2023, Saudi Arabia formalized its support by signing an agreement to contribute EUR 1 million to I-CORE. This followed similar commitments from other nations such as Germany and the Netherlands. Saudi Arabia’s financial support is seen as crucial in helping INTERPOL build infrastructure for more effective information-sharing across borders, which is central to the organization’s future vision for international policing.

Regional Bureau in Riyadh: A Strategic Milestone

This year, in January 2025, Saudi Arabia took a significant step toward hosting a new INTERPOL Regional Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Host Country Agreement was signed in Riyadh by Prince Abdulaziz, INTERPOL President Al-Raisi, and Secretary General Urquiza. The Bureau will act as a regional hub for INTERPOL’s initiatives in combating transnational crime and terrorism, while also enhancing collaboration with regional entities like the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council, GCCPOL, and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. The idea for the MENA Regional Bureau was first tabled in 2016 during the INTERPOL Chiefs of Police Meeting for the region. It was endorsed by the INTERPOL General Assembly in Santiago, Chile in 2019, and the Host Country Agreement received final approval from INTERPOL’s Executive Committee in May 2024. The next steps involve finalizing the Bureau’s operational setup, including its financial, administrative, and logistical structures. Once established, it will significantly increase INTERPOL’s footprint and effectiveness in the region.