VIENTIANE, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Delegates from ASEAN police forces met in the Lao capital Vientiane, vowing to continue their fight against transnational crimes as well as strengthen the relations between ASEAN police forces, dialogue partners and observer countries.
The pledge was made at a meeting of the heads of the ASEAN Police Delegation and negotiating partners, as part of the 41st ASEANAPOL Conference held in Vientiane on Tuesday, chaired by Lao Deputy Minister of Public Security Khamking Phouilamanivong.
ASEAN police forces are seeking to enhance their partnership in the promotion of peace, security and stability, as well as to step up cooperation in tackling transnational crimes such as drug smuggling, terrorism, human trafficking and weapons trade.
Speaking at the conference, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong said, "The 41st ASEANAPOL Conference takes place in an environment with both facilities and many challenges."
"Therefore, this conference is very important for increasing cooperation both at the regional and global levels in responding to various crimes in order to ensure the region and communities around the world enjoy peace, tranquility and stability," he said.
The participants listened to a talk on police cooperation with dialogue partners and observer countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, concerning the prevention and combating of transnational crime.
The issue was discussed constructively and frankly in order to seek solutions to the burgeoning cross-border crime rate.
The results of the meeting will form the basis of a police cooperation plan in preventing and fighting transnational crime as well as strengthening cooperation between ASEAN member country police forces, dialogue partners and observer countries.
Delegates resolved to step up cooperation in cracking down on transnational crimes under the direction of the ASEAN Police Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur.
