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Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong International Academy of Policing (English only)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing today (November 11):

Honourable Director Jia Lijun (Director of the Political Department of the Ministry of Public Security), Deputy Director Luo Yonggang (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Head Li Jiangzhou (Deputy Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR), Deputy Commissioner Zhang Changwei (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR), Deputy Commander-in-chief Tan Zhiwei (Deputy Commander-in-chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison), Executive Director Wu Ying (Executive Director, Capacity Building and Innovation, INTERPOL), Commissioner of Police Joe Chow, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. It's a pleasure to join you today for the inauguration of the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing.

     Hong Kong has long been recognised as one of the safest cities in the world. That, ladies and gentlemen, is thanks largely to the dedication, professionalism and operational excellence of the Hong Kong Police Force.

     Today, the Police Force opens a new chapter. Building on its strong local foundation, and with the inauguration of the Academy, the Force is committed to expanding its global collaboration in leadership development and training.

     According to this year's Policy Address, the Academy will deepen international police exchanges. It will do so through training programmes, police leadership forums and other outreach initiatives. The target is to train some 1 000 officers each year, including about 200 overseas law enforcement personnel.

     Training is the Academy's core function, but its significance goes further. By bringing law enforcement leaders together, it will strengthen Hong Kong's international partnerships. Stronger partnerships will, in turn, reinforce Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" - a place that links people and expertise across jurisdictions.

     That matters because security challenges are increasingly complex. They are also borderless. Cybercrime, financial fraud and terrorism are clear examples. No jurisdiction can stand alone. Strong international connectivity is therefore vital to global security and prosperity.

     The Academy is designed to be the platform where we work together. It will boost connectivity across three dimensions. First, hard connectivity. This means infrastructure and operational networks. Second, soft connectivity. This means rules, mechanisms and procedural standards. And third, people-to-people ties that will promote lasting trust with partner jurisdictions.

     The Academy, I'm pleased to note, has set an ambitious agenda. By the end of next year, it will have organised more than 20 international hallmark training programmes and forums. These include next April's "ConvergeHK", the inaugural senior leadership policing forum focused on shared security challenges. We expect police leaders from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Belt and Road and Middle East countries to attend.

     I am confident that this new institution will rise as a hub for international exchange. It is a strategic investment in collective security. It will attract law enforcement agencies worldwide to build a safer, more secure future for us all.

     My thanks to the Hong Kong Police Force for bringing the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing to life. Your global vision and execution are much appreciated and supported.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy today's opening ceremony. For those from outside Hong Kong, I wish you an enjoyable stay in Asia's world city. Thank you.
 
Ends/Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:43
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