Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia boost cooperation in crime combat

Vietnamese Minister of Public Security General To Lam, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Samdech Krolahom Sar Kheng and Lao Minister of Public Security General Vilay Lakhamphong attended the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of Cooperation on Crime Prevention and Suppression via videoconferencing on January 5.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Minister To Lam affirmed that the comprehensive cooperation among the three sides are flourishing and making important contributions to safeguarding national security, social order and safety as well as international integration, socio-economic development of each country.

He suggested that the ministries should further the coordination in implementing Vietnam-Laos and Vietnam-Cambodia agreements as well as enhancing exchange of information about the global and regional situations and issues related to security  in the border areas between the countries.

The three countries should effectively implement the signed cooperation deals on crime combat while regularly holding meetings to evaluate the implementation of agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation in fighting crimes along the borderlines and propose solutions to jointly fight transnational crimes and newly emerging crimes in border areas.

The police forces of the three countries should share experience in safeguarding important political events, maintaining social order and safety as well as boost coordination in investigating, arresting and handing fugitives of one country in other countries.

Minister Lam also suggested the Interpol Offices of the three countries promote exchange of information related to transnational drug-related crimes, economic crimes, human trafficking and other crimes.

Police forces of the three countries should strengthen coordination in preventing and fighting activities by hostile and reactionary forces infringing upon national security of the other country, promptly handle complex issues related to security and order in the border areas of the three countries, General To Lam added.

He emphasized that they should strengthen joint border patrols to promptly detect and prevent illegal border crossings, ensure security for the demarcation and planting of border landmarks along the borderlines between countries.

At the end of the meeting, the ministers signed a joint statement, and reiterated their commitments to boosting bilateral and tripartite security cooperation.