Speaking at the clubhouse's opening ceremony, Mr Tang said many IPA members in the Force had enjoyed the warm hospitality of their IPA friends whilst travelling overseas, and that over the past two years more than 50 members from a dozen countries had visited Hong Kong. Likewise, some Force members participated in various IPA events around the world, as well as seminars on police related topics at the international centre in Germany, he added.

"You may well be aware that one of my goals as Commissioner is to raise the international profile of the Hong Kong Police and to enhance co-operation with our overseas partners to address transnational crime. This is progressing well at a formal level, but only a few officers will ever serve in Liaison Bureau or have the opportunity to participate in international conferences or training.

"The membership of the Hong Kong Section of the IPA therefore plays an important role in projecting a positive image of the Hong Kong Police and sharing experience and knowledge with our international colleagues. I thank you all for your efforts in this area," Mr Tang said.

In his welcoming speech, Superintendent (SP) Chris Bilham, President of the Hong Kong Section of the IPA, recalled that a young Inspector who visited England on a course in 1957 was so impressed that he set up the Hong Kong Section in 1960.

"I am delighted that Inspector, Mr Li Fuk-ki, is with us today. We shall celebrate our golden jubilee next year," said SP Bilham.

SP Bilham said the IPA had grown enormously and now has about one third of a million members world-wide, making it the world's largest police-related organisation, and having sections in 60 countries.

"What has not changed is the mission of IPA, to promote friendship among members of the police forces of different countries. In this new office you will find many plaques and other souvenirs, reminding us of overseas friends who visited us in the past. Each year we continue to welcome numerous IPA visitors from all around the world, for as Confucius himself once said, 'It is indeed a delight when friends visit from far away'," he added.

In declaring their new clubhouse open, Commissioner Tang King-shing thanks members of the IPA Hong Kong Section for promoting the Force's image and sharing experience and knowledge with their overseas counterparts