Australian Attorney-General welcomed at WCO headquarters

Brussels, 22 November 2011

Report

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya hosted Australian Attorney-General, the Hon. Robert McClelland MP, at WCO Headquarters on 21 November, where they conferred on a wide range of topics.

In particular, they discussed areas of common interest, including capacity building, counter-terrorism, and enforcement against smuggling as well as the illicit trade in narcotics, fake medicines, and other counterfeit goods.

The Secretary General shared information on WCO instruments and strategies, especially the Organization’s risk management approach which enables Customs to deter illicit trade whilst facilitating legitimate trade. Moreover, he emphasized the benefits of coordinated border management among border agencies to more effectively and efficiently manage frontiers.

Secretary General Mikuriya also appreciated the Government of Australia’s past, present, and future contribution to the WCO, including active participation at WCO Committee meetings and the significant contribution of Australian Customs officers working at the WCO Secretariat.

Mr. McClellan expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet Secretary General Mikuriya and learn about the WCO’s border management strategies and operations.

Both policymakers looked forward to subsequent meetings and further enhancement of the WCO-Australia partnership.

The Attorney General was accompanied on his visit to WCO Headquarters by Australia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, H.E. Dr. Brendan Nelson.