China, US vow more drug control co-op

BEIJING - China and the United States on Tuesday vowed to further enhance their cooperation in drug control.

The pledge came out of a meeting between Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu, and Gil Kerlikowske, director of the US Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Meng said cooperation between China and the United States in drug control showcased their resolution to jointly cope with the global drug issue. It will also help the development of bilateral relations.

The two countries' drug control and law enforcement departments have maintained good cooperation in recent years, especially in information exchange, case investigation and control on precursor chemicals, he added.

He called on the two sides to strengthen communication and coordination on major issues of drug control, deepen cooperation and make positive contributions to the development of China-United States relations.

Kerlikowske said the US side attached great importance to cooperation with China in drug control, and was ready to strengthen their mutual trust and coordination to achieve more outcomes in this regard.

After their meeting, Meng and Kerlikowske signed an updated memorandum on intentions for further cooperation between the Chinese national drug control committee and the US Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Before the meeting, Vice-Minister of Public Security Zhang Xinfeng held a working discussion with Kerlikowske.