Vietnam committed to marine law enforcement
(VOV) - A forum on marine law enforcement in the Guff of Thailand was held in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, on December 12-13 to step up regional cooperation to maintain peace and security at sea.
The event was attended by nearly 50 delegates from countries around the Gulf of Thailand, including Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as representatives from the US Embassy in Malaysia and donor organizations.
The Director General of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Admiral Datuk Mohd Amdan Bin Kurish, highlighted the close relations between marine law enforcement agencies and diplomatic corps in Southeast Asia, especially in the Guff of Thailand.
The forum, he said, is an opportunity for regional marine law enforcement agencies to exchange views and discuss measures for maritime security and safety.
Delegates called for closely coordinated efforts from regional countries to cope with the threats of smuggling, trans-national crime, illegal fishing, and environmental pollution.
The Head of the Vietnam Marine Police Department, Colonel Nguyen Quang Dam, said that the trafficking and trade fraud in the Guff of Thailand are serious threats to regional countries.
Colonel Dam emphasized the need to promote information sharing, cooperate in capacity building and training, establish hot lines, and conduct joint patrols to deal with violations and crimes.