KPL
President of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith led a high-level delegation to the signing ceremony and High-level Conference of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres. On this occasion, the Vietnamese President highlighted the significance of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, underscoring the united stance of UN member states in fostering a secure, stable cyberspace that serves sustainable development interests.
The Vietnamese President emphasized that ensuring cybersecurity is akin to safeguarding sovereignty and national interests, which are directly linked to sustainable development. Therefore, it necessitates sound, systematic, secure, and reliable governance.
Brig. Gen. Vilay Lakhamfong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, signed the Convention on behalf of the Lao PDR Government. He also delivered remarks at the high-level meeting, commending the Vietnamese Government for its role as the proponent and host of this Convention's process since 2019, and for hosting the signing ceremony.
He noted the Convention serves as an international legal instrument to combat cybercrime. This event also demonstrates the international community's confidence in and support for ASEAN member states, aligning with the regional digital transformation strategy.
It reflects the collective resolve of the international community to promote the safe use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for socio-economic development, jointly combat cybercrime, and ensure regional and global security and stability.
The UN Convention against Cybercrime is the outcome of open and inclusive negotiations by the UN Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Committee, established under a UN General Assembly resolution, with the participation of all UN Member States, including the Lao PDR. A total of eight substantive sessions were held, leading to the consensus adoption of the Convention's content in 2024.
The participation of the Lao PDR's top leadership in this signing ceremony and high-level meeting demonstrates the political will to establish a crucial legal foundation. This aims to ensure that the use of ICT serves economic, trade, investment, and tourism interests while guaranteeing security for the people. It also promotes the importance of digital transformation, a national priority for driving socio-economic development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including creating a safe environment against cybercrime. As one of the UN Member States signing this Convention, the Lao PDR will use it as a key basis for formulating and improving existing domestic laws and regulations. This alignment will support regional and international cooperation frameworks aimed at protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Lao people from cyber threats.
Following the signing ceremony and high-level meeting, President Thongloun Sisoulith, who is also the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, met with Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee.
The meeting aimed to further strengthen and solidify the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States, and the peoples of Laos and Vietnam, deepening and enhancing this time-honored relationship. Additionally, the high-level delegation of the Lao PDR held bilateral meetings with leaders from other countries attending the ceremony.
KPL
