The Hong Kong Section was represented by Superintendent Chris Bilham from Kwun Tong District, Station Sergeant Stanley Chan Kim-ming from Tuen Mun Division, and Sergeant (Auxiliary) Wilson Wong Man-lung from Wan Chai Division.

As usual, the conference began with a colourful opening ceremony in which the delegates wore their national uniforms and were welcomed by the Minister of the Interior and the Mayor of Moscow. In free time was a visit to the circus and sightseeing at the Red Square and inside the Kremlin.

The conference was followed by a Friendship Week, which was a tour of the highlights of Moscow and St Petersburg. It was a good opportunity to visit the country as guests of the Russian Police - this certainly opened many doors.

Twenty-five members stayed on for the Friendship Week and declared that it was a great experience. Some have already applied to join the Friendship Week next year, which will be held in Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast from October 6 to 11, 2009, to be followed by a journey overland to Istanbul from October 11 to 17.

IPA members are reminded to keep in touch by visiting the website from time to time: www.ipa-hksar.com.

A guard of honour inside Kremlin

Superintendent Chris Bilham with officers from Macao and Pakistan