ISLAMABAD, May 11: Pakistan and Greece on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to make joint efforts against terrorism and organized crimes like drug trafficking and human smuggling. The agreement was signed at the interior ministry by federal Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao and Greek Minister for Public Order George Voulgarakis. Mr Voulgarakis heads a nine-member delegation currently visiting Pakistan.

Chiefs of National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and FIA (Immigration & Passports) gave separate briefings to the delegation.

According to the MoU, the two countries would help each other in the fight against terrorism and other organized crimes, production and trafficking of narcotics, illegal immigration and human smuggling.

The two sides expressed determination to respect each other’s laws and international obligations based on bilateral and multilateral agreements.

Under the MoUs Pakistan and Greece will exchange information and experience in use of forensic technology, methods and means of criminal research, experience in the field of border controls, technical support to detect forged and altered travel documents and prevent illegal entry and illicit immigration.

The two sides would also cooperate in other areas of prevention of crimes and maintenance of public order.

The MoU also focused on strengthening and improving of existing friendly and cooperative relations between the two sates.

“Both the countries have expressed willingness to strengthen and improve existing friendly and cooperative relations and cooperate in the areas of human security and safety,” said Mr Sherpao at a joint press conference with the Greek minister after signing the MoU.

Talking about human smuggling, he said it was being carried out from Pakistan to Greece via Iran and Turkey.

The Greek minister said: “We discussed a close and productive cooperation to curb crimes like drug trafficking and human smuggling. We have joined hands to protect our people from these menaces.”

Responding to a question, Mr Voulgarakis said 70,000 to 75,000 Pakistanis were residing in Greece illegally. He said 83 such illegal immigrants were deported last year and 61 during the current year.

However, he said, a bill had been sent to the Greek Parliament to give legal status to illegal immigrants.