Vietnam and Republic of Korea Reach Accord to Enhance Anti-Crime Collaboration

The meeting between officials of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office of the RoK in Seoul on April 6. Photo: VNA

A high-ranking delegation from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of Vietnam, led by Minister Gen. To Lam, held talks with Prosecutor General of the Republic of Korea’s Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (SPO), Lee Won-seok, in Seoul on April 6, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Lam emphasized that Vietnam has always looked upon the Republic of Korea as one of its most important and long-term partners, highly appreciating the progress made in various aspects of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the State Police Office (SPO) in 2019 has bolstered diplomatic ties between the two countries. This MOU has created a legal channel to facilitate effective coordination while tackling transnational criminal activities. Moreover, both parties have been sharing intelligence on criminal activities and cooperating to investigate and apprehend criminals.

To bolster collaboration between the agencies, the minister requested the two sides to develop a strategy for furthering collaboration in areas such as criminal investigation, evidence collection and assessment, data sharing, conducting mutual visits at different levels, training for enhanced law enforcement capability, and guaranteeing the security and safety of citizens living, studying, and working in each other’s countries.

He also implored the SPO to persist in providing training courses in the Republic of Korea for personnel from the MPS in terms of crime investigation, electronic data and evidence analysis and recovery, and Korean language proficiency.

Agreeing with the proposals put forward by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Prosecutor General Lee underscored the necessity of strengthening collaboration between the two sides in combating and managing criminal activities, especially drug-related and economic-related offences.

On April 6, a delegation from the MPS paid a visit to the headquarters of World Taekwondo as well as to the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul. Furthermore, the delegation had a fruitful discussion with the representatives of both entities.

Politburo member and Minister of Public Security To Lam (L) pays a courtesy call to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Photo: VNA

Minister General To Lam paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in Seoul on April 7th.

Minister Lam proclaimed that Vietnam perennially regards the Republic of Korea as a foremost influential partner across all domains, particularly in economics, politics, diplomacy, security, and defense.

He affirmed that Vietnam is firmly committed to promoting peace, stability, cooperation, development, and denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula.

PM Han praised the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed his hope for an even stronger relationship in the future.

Han expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security would provide beneficial conditions and address the challenges faced by Korean citizens, particularly those who are engaged in business activities in the Southeast Asian nation.

In response, Lam emphasized that his ministry is committed to helping Korean companies invest and conduct business activities in Vietnam. He also proposed that the Republic of Korea (RoK) should continue to provide Vietnam with support in strengthening its enforcement of laws, as well as in ensuring national security, social order, and safety.

In the afternoon of the same day, Minister Lam and his delegation held separate meetings with the Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, Yoon Hee-keun, and the Commissioner General of the Korean Coast Guard, Kim Jong-uk, with the aim of strengthening the sides’ collaboration in crime prevention and control.