The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) honored the Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz with the INTERPOL Medal of the Highest Order in recognition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s contributions and support to INTERPOL's efforts in combating crime.
The Minister received the medal Thursday from INTERPOL’s President Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi in Lyon, France (photo).
The Saudi Minister reaffirmed the Kingdom’s continued support for INTERPOL and its efforts to enhance international cooperation in combating transnational crime. He noted that the visit was conducted under the guidance of the Kingdom’s leadership as part of its commitment to advancing international security collaboration.
Prince Abdulaziz praised INTERPOL’s role in supporting global security efforts and strengthening cooperation among security agencies worldwide, contributing to international peace and stability, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
For his part, Major General Al-Raisi expressed appreciation for the Saudi Minister’s strong interest in enhancing the partnership with INTERPOL and commended the Kingdom’s qualitative initiatives, which have contributed to developing crime-fighting tools and boosting regional and international security.
The visit included discussions on enhancing partnership, coordination, and the exchange of expertise between the Saudi Ministry of Interior and INTERPOL, particularly in the areas of combating transnational crime and addressing emerging security challenges. The two sides also explored joint initiatives in training and capacity development.
The Saudi Minister received a briefing on INTERPOL’s key programs and initiatives and toured the Security Operations Center, where he praised the advanced technical and human capabilities on display.
The visit was attended by Assistant Minister of Interior Dr. Hisham Al-Faleh, Saudi Ambassador to the French Republic Fahd Al-Ruwaili, and several other senior Saudi security officials.
During his official visit to France, the Saudi Minister of Interior met on Monday with French Republic Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau at the French Ministry of the Interior in Paris. They discussed several topics related to security affairs between the two friendly countries. Following the meeting, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and his French counterpart held an official discussion session.
Following the session, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud and his French counterpart signed the executive document outlining future security cooperation pathways between the Saudi and French Ministries. During his trip to France, the Saudi Minister of Interior also visited the Paris Police Security Operations Center Tuesday where he was received by Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez.
Prince Abdulaziz was briefed on the operational mechanisms of the Security Operations Department, including the round-the-clock monitoring of field situations. He received detailed explanations on the advanced technical systems in use, as well as the key responsibilities assigned to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games Operations Room, which managed security during the Games hosted by Paris last year.
Prince Abdulaziz also observed a live demonstration conducted by Paris Police personnel, simulating emergency response scenarios to illustrate the Force’s preparedness and coordination.
In a separate engagement, the Saudi Minister visited the Research, Assistance, Intervention, and Deterrence Forces of the French National Police. There, he was received by Commander Guillaume Cardet, who provided an overview of the unit’s operational scope, including rapid response to security threats and emergency interventions. The visit included a tactical simulation demonstrating the unit’s deployment capabilities using modern techniques and advanced technologies.
Lastly, the Saudi Minister met Tuesday with a group of Ministry of Interior scholarship students studying in the French Republic. Prince Abdulaziz expressed his pride in the students’ academic and professional accomplishments, encouraging them to remain diligent, uphold religious and national values, and represent the Kingdom in a manner that reflects its esteemed status. He also wished them continued success in their academic and professional pursuits.
