Laos partners with Russia, ASEAN in security issues

VIENTIANE, Jun 30, 2021, Vientiane Times. Laos’ Ministry of Public Security is working with other Asean countries and Russia to discuss their experiences in security, stability and the maintenance of peace, Vientiane Times reported.

Security issues were the topic of a videoconference titled “Asean-Russia Consultation of High Representatives for Security Issues” held on June 28. The meeting was attended by representatives of Russia and the 10 Asean member countries.

Participants discussed Asean-Russia security cooperation, and security issues and challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Minister of Public Security Lieutenant General Vilay Lakhamfong led the Lao delegation taking part in the online meeting.

Lt Gen Vilay shared his views on the growing regional and international links in the fields and the many issues encountered. These included conflict, transnational crime and terrorism, poverty, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, threats to stability, and socio-economic development in the region.

He noted that the Covid-19 pandemic was affecting the Asia-Pacific region, and that many people had fallen ill with and died from the virus. The pandemic was affecting the economies and livelihoods of people in many countries.

Transnational crime was another continuing threat to stability and peace, especially cybercrime, the drug trade, human trafficking, and espionage, he added.

Criminals are increasingly using sophisticated methods in their operations, which often involve attacks on computer networks.

The Internet is also increasingly used to carry out scams, illegal trade, grooming people for the purposes of terrorist activities, all aspects of the drug trade, and to hide behind a veil of secrecy and avoid arrest.

Many people become slaves to drugs which affects peace and order in society, Lt Gen Vilay said. He highlighted the main issues as transnational crime and the need for more cooperation in tackling the issues involved.