Vietnam is calling for stronger cooperation among ASEAN member countries to tackle transnational crime and apprehend criminal fugitives in the region. Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng made this appeal during a meeting in Hà Nội with leaders of ASEAN delegations and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat.
Prime Minister Hưng emphasized the need for ASEAN countries to enhance bilateral extradition and prisoner-transfer agreements. He also urged the member states to expedite the ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition. This treaty is seen as a critical step toward streamlining legal processes and improving regional cooperation in handling criminal fugitives.
Hưng proposed establishing effective mechanisms for verifying information, locating, arresting, and transferring fugitives between ASEAN countries. He also highlighted the importance of utilizing INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases more extensively, along with developing direct information-sharing channels to support investigations and prevent emerging transnational crimes.
To further bolster efforts against cross-border crime, the prime minister suggested increasing exchanges between law enforcement agencies and implementing specialized training programs. Enhancing cooperation in technology and digital transformation was also recommended to improve the capacity to prevent and investigate such crimes effectively.
The conference concluded with the adoption of an ASEAN Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration. These documents aim to solidify regional cooperation efforts in tracking and apprehending criminal fugitives, reinforcing the collective commitment to combat transnational crime in Southeast Asia.