The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) agreed to deepen their co-operation in addressing emerging and evolving security threats under a Working Arrangement document signed today by the Organizations’ Secretaries General Kunio Mikuriya and Thomas Greminger, respectively.

The Working Arrangement covers different areas of mutual interest, such as supporting customs administrations in securing and facilitating legitimate trade; preventing and combating different forms of transnational organized crime, particularly the illicit trafficking in cultural objects; implementing different procedures and systems to strengthen security at borders, notably Advance Passenger Information (API) systems; as well as working together in other areas, such as gender mainstreaming, combatting corruption and enhancing the professional integrity of customs staff.

“The WCO and the OSCE have been working hand-in-hand in different areas of common interest for many years. This Working Arrangement is an opportunity to revise existing co-operation by providing a more comprehensive and structured approach. Moreover, in specific domains, such as illicit trafficking of cultural objects and implementation of the Advance Passenger Information (API) systems, we expect to see concrete projects and outputs in the nearest future,” said WCO Secretary General Mikuriya.

OSCE Secretary General Greminger said: “As the world’s largest regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, the OSCE brings together 57 participating States from Vancouver to Vladivostok and 11 Partners for Co-operation in the Mediterranean and Asian area. Our strengthened co-operation with the WCO will foster economic development, conflict prevention efforts and the respect for fundamental freedoms, within the framework of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security.”