In a concerted effort to combat transnational crime and track criminal fugitives, Vietnam is pushing for enhanced cooperation with ASEAN countries. Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng made this call during a recent meeting with leaders from ASEAN delegations and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat held in Hà Nội.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Hưng emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral extradition and prisoner-transfer agreements among ASEAN member states. He urged for the acceleration of the ratification process for the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition to facilitate smoother legal proceedings across the region.
Prime Minister Hưng advocated for the establishment of effective mechanisms that would streamline the verification of information, locating, arresting, and transferring fugitives between ASEAN nations. He highlighted the necessity for greater utilization of INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases, along with the development of direct information-sharing channels to bolster investigations and prevent the emergence of new forms of transnational crime.
Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed increased exchanges between law enforcement agencies, the implementation of specialized training programs, and closer cooperation in technology and digital transformation. These measures, he suggested, would enhance the capacity to prevent and investigate cross-border crimes more effectively.
The conference concluded with the adoption of an ASEAN Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration, both aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the pursuit of criminal fugitives. These strategic moves signify a commitment to a more unified and coordinated approach to addressing crime across the ASEAN region.