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Laos hosted the 18th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime on August 28, in Vientiane, under the presidency of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Gen. Vilay Lakhamfong.
(KPL) Laos hosted the 18th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime on August 28, in Vientiane, under the presidency of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Gen. Vilay Lakhamfong.
The meeting was attended by ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN member state ministers, Timor-Leste, dialogue partner countries responsible for combating transnational crime, and delegations from ASEAN member states.
Gen. Vilay stated that Laos fully recognizes and understands that no country wants crime to occur within its borders. However, due to geographic location and favorable conditions for cross-border movement, criminals can evade detection and operate within national territories. Transnational crime is a global issue that is complex and can arise in any region, and no single country can resolve it alone. Therefore, Laos believes that cooperation, trust, understanding, and genuine collaboration between countries in the region and globally are crucial and essential to addressing transnational crime. For this reason, he is confident that the ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime and its related mechanisms are well-suited to addressing transnational crime within the ASEAN region.
The ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime serves as a high-level consultation mechanism that plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation to prevent and combat transnational crime. Since its establishment in 1997, this mechanism has grown and expanded continuously. ASEAN member states and dialogue partners have developed and refined ministerial-level meetings and related mechanisms to align with the evolving realities. They have also created and updated key documents, such as treaties, action plans, and operational plans, to support regional efforts against transnational crime. The meetings regularly review and assess cooperative efforts, explore joint solutions, and exchange lessons learned on combating transnational crime at the global, regional, and national levels. These meetings significantly contribute to strengthening associated mechanisms, particularly through ASEAN Senior Officials Meetings on Transnational Crime and meetings of ASEAN Chiefs of Immigration and Consular Affairs. These regular collaborations help ensure peace and security, create favorable conditions for economic and social development, and improve living standards across the region.
He also noted that the region currently faces multiple transnational crime threats, including drug trafficking, particularly synthetic drugs, which continue to rise as evidenced by the increasing quantities seized each year. Additionally, crimes such as human trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal immigration, money laundering, and others pose significant threats to regional stability, security, and economic and social development, affecting people's livelihoods. The ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime will continue to play a central role in shaping policies and measures to combat these issues in the region.
The 18th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Transnational Crime is expected to be productive, addressing and endorsing key issues to improve the region's security and safety.
KPL
