Items handed over includes traffic command vehicle, office equipment, radio communication equipment, fiberglass and rubber boats for rescue operation and some other materials

Approximately $670,000 worth of gear has been handed over to the Fiji Police Force by the Embassy of the Republic of China to enhance its capabilities.

The handover ceremony was held at the Police Special Response Unit in Nasinu yesterday.

Items handed over included traffic command vehicle, office equipment, radio communication equipment, fiberglass and rubber boats for rescue operation and some other materials.

Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said the Police Force was grateful to the Chinese government for extending the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for another five years.

He said as they stood to gain a lot of knowledge and support from the various exchanges they have been recipients of.

“Many of our officers have had the privilege to undergo the various forms of training offered by the Ministry of Public Security in China, and the attachment programme of two officers to Fiji is also reaping great benefits for us,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.

From left: Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Police Commissioner, Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho and Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhang Ping during the handover on August 10, 2017. Photo: Police Media Cell

“Today’s handing over of assistance fits in well with our strategic way forward, as policing becomes more challenging coupled with the increasing demands from members of the public.”

Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, Zhang Ping said the equipment donation was based on the annual plan of 2016 bilateral exchange and cooperation programme between the two law enforcement agencies.

“It caters for the actual need of the Police Force with the aim to assist the capacity building and the good will and profound feeling of Chinese people towards the Fijian people,” Mr Zhang said.

Minister for Defence and National Security, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said developing human resources had been very rewarding with many Police officers having the opportunity to study and attend specific courses in various reputable Chinese law enforcement agencies.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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