The meeting attracted representatives from the United Nationals Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) in the Asia-Pacific region and senior officials from sub-Mekong region countries, including China, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

At the opening meeting, deputy Minister of Public Security, Le The Tiem, affirmed that 2010 marks the 15^th year Vietnam has taken part in the MOU. He said in recent times, Vietnam has gradually taken part in the regional action against drug abuse. With Vietnam’s determination, efforts and support from MOU members and the UN, Vietnam has obtained significant achievements in drug control. Vietnam has virtually eliminated poppies and reduced the number of drug users. The country is an active member in implementing regional commitments and agreements, Mr Tiem said. 

Member countries agreed to appoint Vietnam as president of this year’s meeting.

This is a good chance for MOU countries and the UNODC to discuss and agree on strategic issues such as promoting drug control co-operation, improving bilateral and multilateral co-operative mechanisms in the region and forecasting new trends of drug crime in the future.