Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has called for heightened collaboration among ASEAN nations to combat transnational crime and apprehend criminal fugitives. At a meeting in Hà Nội with ASEAN leaders and ASEAN Secretariat representatives, Hưng emphasized the importance of bolstering bilateral extradition and prisoner-transfer agreements. He also highlighted the need to expedite the ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition.
The prime minister urged the establishment of effective mechanisms for verifying information, locating, arresting, and transferring fugitives within the ASEAN region. He advocated for increased utilization of INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL databases, as well as direct information-sharing channels, to support investigations and curb emerging forms of transnational crime.
Hưng also proposed more frequent exchanges between law enforcement agencies, specialized training programs, and stronger cooperation in technology and digital transformation. These measures aim to enhance the capacity to prevent and investigate cross-border crime more effectively.
The conference culminated in the adoption of an ASEAN Joint Action Plan and a Joint Declaration, both designed to strengthen regional cooperation against criminal fugitives. These initiatives underscore the collective commitment of ASEAN countries to work together in addressing the challenges posed by transnational crime.