Lyon - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs visited the seat of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) in Lyon on Friday to stress the organisation's importance in the fight against international crime. "Interpol makes a very important contribution to global security," he said.

Hojs and Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock advocated coordinated activities between Interpol, EU member states and various EU agencies, and praised the excellent cooperation between the Slovenian police and Interpol.

They also stressed the importance of avoiding duplication of activities between organisations and activities within the EU, said the Interior Ministry.

"We are pleased that during the Slovenian presidency of the EU Council, Interpol has always constructively participated in the activities within the competent working group of the EU Council," said Hojs.

He also recalled that during the Slovenian presidency, EU member states had successfully unified their position on the negotiations for a new agreement on closer cooperation between the EU and Interpol.