Cross-border crimes in cross-hairs as ASEAN enhances cooperation
ASEAN member states and dialogue partners have committed to enhance their cooperation efforts in combating transnational crimes in a bid to maintain the security at and across borders in the ASEAN region. The 17th Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and its related meetings kicked off in Vientiane on May 24 in support of Asean-centered regional and international cooperation efforts. Formally opened by Lao Minister of Public Security Major General Somkeo Silavong, the meeting was attended by delegates from 10 ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners including China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada and the United States.
