Foreign Official: Vietnam Has Always Been a Leading Country in Promoting Global Peace and Security
This was the strong affirmation made by Kubrakov Ivan Vladimirovich, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, on the afternoon of October 25, on the sidelines of the Signing Ceremony for the United Nations Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes (the Hanoi Convention).
Minister Kubrakov also emphasized the long-standing and effective cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security in strengthening security for both nations.
R: Minister, what impact do you believe the Hanoi Convention will have on the region and the world in enhancing cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime?
Minister Kubrakov: We all recognize that cybercrime knows no borders. As nations advance rapidly and every sector increasingly moves into the digital space, countering this form of crime requires a collective global effort. No single country can effectively tackle cybercrime on its own.
I believe this cooperation will further strengthen international relations—enhancing not only security but also the economic potential of many nations. Cybercrime today directly affects people’s lives and has far-reaching impacts on economic growth and all sectors of society. Therefore, the signing of the Hanoi Convention marks a major step forward—a crucial milestone in our shared effort to safeguard global security.
We regard the Hanoi Convention as a powerful legal instrument in the fight against a global challenge that no nation can confront alone. Only through joint efforts can we effectively and sustainably combat cybercrime—a threat that undermines economies worldwide. I am confident that more countries will join and utilize the Hanoi Convention as a global cooperation framework to collectively address the shared challenges of the digital age.
R: Vietnam was chosen as the host country for the Hanoi Convention Signing Ceremony. In your opinion, what does this reflect about Vietnam’s prestige and role in global affairs?
Minister Kubrakov: The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus has a long-standing and productive partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security in strengthening security for both our nations. In my view, the signing of this Convention in Vietnam holds special significance because Vietnam has always been a leading nation in promoting global peace and security. I greatly appreciate that the Vietnamese Government clearly recognizes that there can be no sustainable development—economic or otherwise—without security.
Hosting this ceremony in a dynamic and rapidly developing country like Vietnam opens up numerous opportunities for cooperation, exchange, and the promotion of economic and sustainable development. I believe the decision made today in Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is not merely about signing a Convention—it represents the launch of a concrete and effective mechanism for collectively responding to cybercrime on a global scale.
R: What are your expectations for the outcomes of the Hanoi Convention in terms of building trust, strengthening cooperation among nations, and expanding opportunities for deeper collaboration between Belarus and Vietnam in cybersecurity and digital transformation?
Minister Kubrakov: Whenever an issue arises that we or our colleagues at the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security identify, we coordinate swiftly to address it—not only in the field of cybercrime but also in other areas of criminal activity. As Minister of Internal Affairs, I have visited and worked in Vietnam many times because we share a common aspiration for progress and development. Whenever even a minor issue is detected, we always make every effort to protect society and ensure national security.
In the digital era, all segments of the population—as well as agencies and organizations—are potential targets of cybercrime. Therefore, protecting information, data, and the national economy must be a top priority. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children, in particular, need to be supported and educated to prevent them from becoming victims of online crime.
Vietnam and Belarus have already established and implemented bilateral cooperation mechanisms aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and protecting our citizens. I believe that the cooperation experience between Vietnam and Belarus can serve as a model for many other nations to learn from and apply. We will continue to move forward in this direction, striving to protect our countries from cybercrime risks. This partnership not only reinforces our bilateral relationship but also contributes to enhancing security and stability in all aspects of life.
R: Minister, thank you very much for your time.
