Vietnam is calling for enhanced cooperation with ASEAN nations to tackle transnational crime and track down criminal fugitives across Southeast Asia. During a meeting in Hà Nội with leaders from ASEAN delegations and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng emphasized the need for stronger bilateral extradition and prisoner-transfer agreements among member states. He also highlighted the importance of speeding up the ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition.
Prime Minister Hưng advocated for the implementation of effective mechanisms to verify information, locate, arrest, and transfer fugitives within ASEAN countries. He encouraged the increased use of INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases, as well as the establishment of direct information-sharing channels to aid investigations and prevent new forms of transnational crime from emerging.
To bolster regional law enforcement capabilities, Hưng proposed more frequent exchanges between law-enforcement agencies, specialized training programs, and closer collaboration in technology and digital transformation. These measures aim to enhance the capacity to prevent and investigate cross-border crime.
The conference concluded with the adoption of an ASEAN Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration, both focused on strengthening regional cooperation against criminal fugitives. These initiatives reflect a collective commitment among ASEAN countries to address the challenges posed by transnational crime more effectively.