Sokha in Vietnam for security talks
MINISTER of Interior Sar Sokha is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Da Nang, Vietnam, in an effort to strengthen security cooperation.
The March 28-30 trip comes at the invitation of To Lam, minister of public security and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
In a March 27 press release, the ministry announced that Sokha will attend a tripartite ministerial meeting with his Lao and Vietnamese counterparts. The meeting aims to strengthen and expand security relations and cooperation between law enforcement officers from the three nations.
“This trip aims to continue the implementation of tripartite cooperative mechanisms between the three ministries. These mechanisms have been implemented three times already,” it said.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, was of the view that security cooperation between Cambodian and Vietnam should be a priority, as the Kingdom shares the longest land border with its eastern neighbour.
“In the past, criminals have crossed the border, so close cooperation between the two countries is crucial. This cooperation provides mutual benefits, leading to the arrest of criminals and a reduction in offences,” he said.
He encouraged the two sides to further deepen their partnership, noting that they should build trust and intimacy to resolve any outstanding issues.
Sokha met with To Lam in January to exchange viewpoints on regional and international common interests and concerns. During the meeting, both sides noted challenges such as drug crimes, human trafficking and cybercrime, which continue to have a negative impact on regional security.
During the meeting, the participants examined and assessed the cooperative outcomes of 2023 and signed cooperative plans for 2024.
“Both sides expressed admiration to the close cooperation between border authorities and police forces. They are committed to fighting drug offences and human trafficking, while maintaining public order on the border, to contribute to improving the livelihoods of the two peoples,” said a ministry press release which detailed the outcome of the meeting.