Vietnam pushes ASEAN to strengthen cooperation against criminal fugitives

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung convened regional counterparts in Hanoi on September 30 for the ASEAN Law Enforcement High-level Conference on Cooperation in Combating Criminal Fugitives, underscoring the bloc's commitment to tackling transnational crime.

Heads of delegations from ASEAN member states and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat attended the gathering, which focused on strengthening law enforcement collaboration and information-sharing mechanisms across borders.

The conference brought together senior officials responsible for criminal investigations and fugitive apprehension to address shared challenges in pursuing suspects who exploit the region's porous borders and jurisdictional complexities.

The meeting reflected growing recognition among ASEAN nations that combating criminal fugitives requires coordinated action, improved intelligence networks, and streamlined procedures for extradition and cross-border pursuit operations.

Vietnam's hosting of the conference demonstrated its role in advancing regional security cooperation and establishing common standards for law enforcement cooperation throughout Southeast Asia.