Baghdad: The Coordinator of International Recommendations in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Dindar Zebari, has engaged in discussions with Lieutenant General Ahmed Saleh Al-Zarkani, the Director General of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation and coordination in combating narcotics and psychotropic substances.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the KRG’s Office of the Coordinator of International Recommendations issued a press release detailing the meeting held in Baghdad. Zebari and Al-Zarkani deliberated on mechanisms for strengthening cooperation and coordination between relevant institutions in the KRG and federal authorities. They also focused on the exchange of information and expertise to contribute to efforts aimed at preventing and reducing the spread of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and their social impacts.

Zebari highlighted the necessity of adopting a sustainable mechanism for coordination and information exchange, particularly between KRG institutions and their federal counterparts, to enhance joint efforts in this field. He also underscored the significance of collaborating with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as a key international partner in the fight against drugs, and the role of the Office of the Coordinator of International Recommendations in coordinating with the UNODC on related programs.

The discussions also covered the importance of involving relevant KRG institutions in workshops, training courses, and pertinent national and international programs, particularly those offered by UNODC. These opportunities are seen as crucial for developing capacities and expertise and for bolstering prevention and response efforts.

The two officials further explored cooperation in prevention, awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, and combating the trafficking and illicit distribution of drugs and psychotropic substances. Lieutenant General Ahmed Saleh Al-Zarkani expressed the readiness of relevant authorities to enhance communication and joint efforts with the KRG, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and the exchange of information and expertise.

Both sides reiterated the significance of ongoing coordination between the KRG and federal authorities, strengthening cooperation with UNODC, and developing joint programs and activities to combat drugs and psychotropic substances effectively.