Vietnam gives a high priority to the combat and prevention of drugs and will work closely with the UN and Mekong sub-regional nations at both bilateral and multilateral levels to stop the global peril, stated Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

The Vietnamese Government leader hosted a reception on May 21 for heads of the foreign delegations from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), who are in Hanoi to attend the Ministerial Meeting of Signatory Countries of the 1993 Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

He spoke highly of the agreements reached during the meeting, including the ninth edition of the regional action plan.

Cooperative mechanisms in the sub-region have helped design initiatives and policies on drug combat and prevention, he said, adding that Vietnam committed to effectively implementing the newly-adopted action plan.

The host also spoke of the role and support of the UNODC for regional countries, suggesting the office continue its assistance and cooperation for a drug-free world.

UNODC Regional Representative Jeremy Douglas appreciated Vietnam’s role and commitments in the fight against drugs, affirming that collaboration between nations provides a strong support for the global commitment of the UN and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the fight.

The UN and UNODC will coordinate closely with regional countries and provide them with necessary assistance to prevent trans-national crime, especially those relating to drugs.\

Minister attends Greater Mekong sub-region drug control meeting

Minister of Public Security General Tran Dai Quang attended a Ministerial Meeting of Signatory Countries of the 1993 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Drug Control in the Greater Mekong Sub-region in Hanoi on May 21.

In his speech, Quang admitted with concern that the use of opium has rebounded at an alarming rate and the Greater Mekong Sub-region is suffering the direct impact of increased drug and methamphetamine production, including in both pills and crystal forms. On top of that, trans-national crime gangs are employing sophisticated tricks and are ready to fiercely fight against law enforcement forces when caught in act.

He said the 1993 MoU on drug control covering Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has played an efficient part in minimising the negative social effects caused by drug.

Quang suggested developing drug control policies for each country and the whole region, mobilising all necessary resources for relevant initiatives, and connecting regional activities with common ASEAN efforts during the fight against illicit narcotics.

Vietnam continually stands side by side with MoU member countries to fully deliver on signed commitments and agreements for peace, stability, prosperity and a region free of illegal drugs, he said.

The meeting provided a platform for participants to share drug combat experience and set tasks for the future, including improving bilateral and multilateral coordination mechanisms.

Ministers also adopted the ninth edition of the regional action plan and signed the second amendments to the MoU.

VNA