Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security Lieut. Gen Nguyen Duy Ngoc speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)Addressing the eighth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting onDrug Matters (AMMD8) in Vientiane, Laos, Ngoc said at the regional level, ASEANmember countries should maintain and improve the efficiency of their existingcooperation mechanisms like the AMMD, the ASEAN Narcotics Cooperation Centreand the ASEAN Drug Monitoring Network.
At the same time, they need to roll out solutions toprevent drug precursor losses, dismantle drug production facilities, intensifydrug control along key routes, enhance capacity of law enforcement forces,and strengthen and expand the operations of border liaison offices, he added.
Meanwhile, at the national level, the sides shouldwork to raise the quality of information exchange, share experience in drugcombat, and conduct joint patrols, the officer continued.
He also suggested ASEAN countries foster cooperationwith partner countries, and step up dialogues in improving capabilities for lawenforcement forces and equipment supply.
The Vietnamese government will continue its closecoordination and share responsibility with other ASEAN member countries in thefight, Ngoc pledged, noting a hope that countries and international organisations will further support Vietnam in this regard, contributing to building a regionof prosperity, towards a drug-free ASEAN.
The AMMD8 adopted an ASEAN Joint Statement, which isexpected to be presented at the 67th session of the UN Commission on NarcoticDrugs (CND67) in 2024.
The ADMM9 is scheduled to take place in the Philippinesin 2025./.
VNA
