Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has called for enhanced cooperation among ASEAN nations to address the challenges posed by transnational crime and to track down criminal fugitives across the region. During a meeting with ASEAN delegation leaders and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat in Hà Nội, Hưng emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral extradition and prisoner-transfer agreements. He also urged member states to expedite the ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition.
Hưng highlighted the need for effective mechanisms to verify information, locate, arrest, and transfer fugitives between ASEAN countries. He advocated for greater utilization of INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases, as well as the establishment of direct information-sharing channels to support investigations and prevent emerging forms of transnational crime.
The Vietnamese prime minister also proposed increased exchanges between law enforcement agencies and specialized training programs to enhance regional capacity in preventing and investigating cross-border crime. Additionally, he called for closer cooperation in technology and digital transformation as a means to bolster these efforts.
The conference concluded with the adoption of an ASEAN Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration, both aimed at strengthening regional cooperation against criminal fugitives. These initiatives reflect a collective commitment among ASEAN countries to tackle the evolving challenges posed by transnational crime through a unified approach.