Vientiane, Lao PDR – Today, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with H.E. Pol. Gen. POR Phak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior and SOMTC-Cambodia Leader, on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime.
The discussion centered on Cambodia’s pivotal role as the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Voluntary Lead Shepherd on arms smuggling since 2005. Dr. Kao expressed gratitude to Cambodia for initiating the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling, adopted at the 17th AMMTC in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, in 2023.
This declaration serves as a guiding force for ASEAN law enforcement agencies to enhance cooperation and tackle the regional threats posed by arms smuggling.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between ASEAN and Cambodia in combating transnational crime, ensuring a safer and more secure region.
“This collaboration demonstrates ASEAN’s commitment to addressing pressing regional security concerns,” Dr. Kao emphasized.