Vietnam, UNODC strengthen cooperation in crime prevention　

The UNODC would continue its close cooperation with Vietnam to encourage more countries to ratify and effectively implement the convention.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) and Ghada Waly, UN Under-Secretary-General and Director-General/Executive Director of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV)/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Hanoi on October 21. [Photo/baochinhphu.vn]

Hanoi (VNA) – On October 21, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomed Ghada Waly, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Director-General/Executive Director of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV)/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Waly was visiting Vietnam to participate in the opening ceremony for the signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention. Son affirmed Vietnam's commitment to supporting and promoting multilateralism and international cooperation to address global challenges, thereby contributing to peace and international security. He appreciated the UN's and the UNODC's efforts in assisting countries in their fight against various crime, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking. Highlighting the positive outcomes of Vietnam–UNODC cooperation, the Deputy PM expressed the hope to further deepen the partnership through concrete projects and initiatives. He called on the UNODC to continue supporting Vietnam in promoting the signing and early enforcement of the Hanoi Convention.

Son also noted that Vietnam would actively consider participating in UNODC programmes that help developing countries implement the convention, such as the initiative to establish a regional cybersecurity capacity-building centre in the Asia-Pacific.

He particularly valued the two sides' cooperation in drug prevention and control, within both bilateral and regional frameworks, notably under the Mekong cooperation mechanism. He suggested that the UNODC explore opportunities to assist Vietnamese ministries and sectors in implementing projects under the National Target Programme on Drug Prevention and Control.

For her part, Waly commended Vietnam's strong commitment and responsible contributions to the global fight against cybercrime, drug-related crime, money laundering, and human trafficking. She welcomed Vietnam's hosting of the convention signature opening ceremony, praising the efforts of Vietnamese authorities in preparing for the event.

She affirmed that the UNODC would continue close cooperation with Vietnam to encourage more countries to ratify and effectively implement the convention. She also welcomed Vietnam's initiative to establish a regional training centre on cybercrime, pledging the UNODC's support for its formation and operation.

She underlined the UNODC's commitment to further enhancing cooperation and exchanges with Vietnam and regional partners in crime prevention, effectively implementing existing agreements and initiatives, and exploring new strategies, agreements and initiatives.