Visit of the International Professional Commission of the International Police Association

A delegation from the International Police Association today paid a courtesy visit to the Hon. Tonio Borg, Minister of Home Affairs.

Following are some excerpts from the welcome speech by the Minister, and a brief comment by the Commisssion President, Mr. Walter Mosslacher.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you, the members of the International Professional Commission of the International Police Association, for your meeting here in Malta.

First and foremost, it is a pleasure because the IPA is one of the most unique organisations in the world. It was born out of the ashes of the Second World War with the noble aim to unite in service and friendship all active and retired members of the law enforcement service throughout the world.

The IPA strives to enhance the image of the police in its member countries - at present numbering around 56, and to facilitate international co-operation through friendly contacts between police officers of all continents.

The main purpose of the organisation, as its motto Servo per Amikeco (Serving Through Friendship) implies, is to have police officers hailing from all parts of the globe, banded together in friendship. This was the dream of the Association's founder Sergeant Arthur Troop, who started this praiseworthy organisation in England back in 1950.

It is also a pleasure for me to note that the IPA has chose our small island as its meeting place and I understand that the local IPA will help the Commission in the performance of its work and to make them feel the Maltese hospitality that we are renowned for.

Once again, I thank you for your kind visit, and I trust that your stay in Malta will be a pleasant one indeed.

A brief comment by Commission President Mr Walter Mosslacher.

I would like to thank the minister for his hospitality. At present the IPA which has around 300,000 members all over the world, is proud of its work to foster friendship throughout the world.

I would also like to congratulate the IPC (Malta), represented by former police official Spiridione Bugeja because they are very well organised.

I would also like to point out that the crime rate in Malta is very low compared to other countries and said that this reflects very well on the police force in Malta backed by a sound political direction.

The Commission members will leave Malta on Monday.

Commission members: Mr. W. Mosslacher (Austria)

Mr. Richard Benda (Austria)

Mr. Mitja Klavora (Slovenia)

Mr. Romain Miny (Luxembourg)

Miss Elke Pfau (Australia)