ASEAN law enforcement agencies should maintain and consolidate cooperation in fighting transnational crime, Lieutenant General Nguyen Thanh Son, head of the Foreign Relations Department at the Ministry of Public Security, said on September 24.

The 20th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC-20)
is held online on September 24. (Photo: VNA)

 Addressing the 20th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC-20), held online, Son pointed to the increase in cybercrime, fake news, high-tech crime, and smuggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 He therefore suggested agencies step up trust building and information sharing.

 The official also proposed enhancing joint patrols and completing legal documents in order to create a legal framework for cooperation within the bloc as well as between ASEAN and partner and dialogue countries.

 As host of the 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC-14), slated for mid-November, the Ministry of Public Security is committed to coordinating with ASEAN law enforcement agencies to address tough issues as well as regional and global challenges that threaten peace, security, and stability in the region, he pledged.

 The ministry will continue to be part of the efforts to promote a united and self-reliant ASEAN Community for peace, stability, and prosperity in each country and the region, he continued. 

 At SOMTC-20, chaired by the Philippines, delegates shared views on national, regional, and international efforts to fight transnational crime in the context of the pandemic.

 The Philippines called for unity in the implementation of strategies to bring crime under control, towards materialising an action plan on fighting international crime during the 2020-2025 period.