We need a ‘clear vision’ to overcome security challenges
Kim Jong-yang succeeds China’s Meng Hongwei who disappeared in September and later resigned after Chinese authorities said he was being investigated for suspected bribery.
He brings a wealth of national and international policing experience to the post. He has been serving as the organisation’s vice president for Asia since 2015 and was head of
Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Seoul from 2011 to 2012.
Speaking after his election, Kim said: “Our world is now facing unprecedented changes that present huge challenges to public security and safety. To overcome them, we need a clear vision: we need to build a bridge to the future,” said Kim, pledging to ensure that the member countries most in need would receive the full support of Interpol’s range of policing capabilities.
Hailing Kim’s election, Interpol’s secretary-general Jurgen Stock said: “The presidency is typically held for four years but Mr Kim, was elected to complete the term of former president Meng, which was due to end in 2020. Mr Kim was elected as president through a voting process which was democratic, transparent, free and clear, and is the same for every candidate.”
Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-Inchief of the Dubai Police, was also present.
“Mr Kim has many years’ experience of our governance and I look forward to working with him to give our membership the best possible support in this dynamic and changing global security environment. Mr Kim will complete the mandate of the former president and he can’t be re-elected by the end of his term,” Stock added.
Meng has not been seen since he disappeared during a trip to China, from where he sent a letter to Interpol announcing his resignation. Days after his wife reported him missing, Chinese authorities said he was under investigation. ■