Interpol's 20th Asian Regional Conference, held in Police Headquarters between March 5 and 7, concluded successfully with four recommendations made. The Interpol Secretary General, Mr Ronald K Noble, has described the meeting as "the most highly organised Asian Regional Conference ever".

Commissioner Tang King-shing has personally received compliments from the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security, Mr Meng Hongwei, and many conference participants, congratulating CP on hosting a "seamless and professional conference".

Delegates from 30 countries throughout Asia, South Pacific and Middle East recommended that Interpol's member countries undertake more regional operations and make more efficient use of Interpol Notices and databases, particularly in efforts to track down and apprehend child sex offenders - whether in the offenders' country of origin or the country where they have committed crimes.

On its closing day on March 7, the conference called for more regional action and increased use of Interpol tools and services to combat transnational crime, including terrorism and child sex tourism.

The recommendations were part of a series approved by the delegates at the meeting to address vital policing issues in the Region.

"Crimes which transcend national boundaries require action and solution which can only be achieved by acting at institutional and transnational levels rather than by any individual country," said Interpol's Vice-President for Asia and Conference Chairman, Mr Khoo Boon Hui.

"Interpol's role is to ensure that international co-operation among law enforcement agencies is translated into effective action on the ground," Mr Khoo added.

In his closing speech, Mr Tang outlined the Force's commitment to assisting international efforts against transnational crime: "You may rely on us to assist your international enquiries, and where the necessary legal framework exists, to assist in all other areas of fugitive surrender, information and evidence-gathering, as well as mutual legal assistance."

Finally, Mr Tang also thanked the National Central Bureau for supporting and assisting Hong Kong to host the regional conference.

On the lighter side, the conference also provided an opportunity for participants to network with fellow delegates and senior police officers at a number of receptions.

At the cocktail reception hosted by Interpol on March 4, the light backdrop of the famous Hong Kong harbour and Central as well as a unique light projection of the Interpol and Force badges on the wall of Police Headquarters, plus the enchanting music provided by the Police Silver Band quintet, set an ideal scene.

Towards the end of the first day of the programme schedule, delegates were treated to a display of the Force's anti-terrorist, VIP protection and crowd management capabilities during an official visit to the Aberdeen Campus of the Police College. They had a photo-session with a fleet of "Saxon" armoured personnel carriers after the display.

Other reception events saw Vice Minister Meng, CP, Mr Khoo and Mr Noble exchanging souvenirs. At one reception, delegates were delighted at the performances of the Police Chinese Cultural Club and the Police Wu Shu Club, which underlined the Force's commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and striking the right work-life balance.

The photographs here tell more stories.

Interpol Secretary General, Mr Ronald Noble, and Commissioner Tang King-shing exchange souvenirs

Interpol's Vice-President for Asia and Conference Chairman, Mr Khoo Boon Hui, and Commissioner Tang King-shing exchange souvenirs

A photo session for Interpol delegates at PHQ

Interpol Secretary General, Mr Ronald Noble, with Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing and Director of Crime & Security Lee Ka-chiu at a cocktail reception

Interpol delegates are given a PTU welcome to the Drill Square

Interpol delegates are impressed by demonstration of PTU's handling of a riotous crowd

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security, Mr Meng Hongwei, presents an Olympic souvenir to Interpol Secretary General, Mr Ronald Noble