Vietnam is calling for heightened cooperation among ASEAN countries to better tackle transnational crime and apprehend criminal fugitives across the region. During a meeting in Hà Nội with leaders from the ASEAN delegation and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng emphasized the importance of reinforcing bilateral extradition and prisoner-transfer agreements. He also urged member states to expedite the ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition.
Prime Minister Hưng highlighted the need for effective mechanisms to verify information, locate, arrest, and transfer fugitives within ASEAN countries. He advocated for increased use of INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases and the establishment of direct information-sharing channels to bolster investigations and curb emerging forms of transnational crime.
Additionally, the prime minister proposed more frequent exchanges between law-enforcement agencies, specialized training programs, and enhanced cooperation in technology and digital transformation. These measures aim to improve the region’s capacity to prevent and investigate cross-border crime effectively.
The meeting culminated in the adoption of an ASEAN Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration, both designed to strengthen regional cooperation against criminal fugitives. These initiatives represent a collective commitment from ASEAN members to address the challenges posed by transnational crime by fostering closer collaboration and more unified strategies.