Brunei, Muara - Brunei`s Minister of Home Affairs stressed the need for Asean`s mutual cooperation and strong ties to address the security issues facing the region.
"Apart from the regional dimension, we must also consider the need for international concerted action," said the Minister.
"We must expand our sphere of joint endeavour to effectively address the issues facing today`s security environment."
Asean`s mutual cooperation has been acknowledged as a key driving force towards the continued peace, security, shared development and stability, with the region looking forward to further facilitate coordination and co-operation on Transnational Crime within Southeast Asia.
In the opening speech of the 6th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) yesterday, Brunei`s Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Adanan Yusof, cited the meeting as a testament to the relentless effort by the region`s enforcement agencies to tackle the issue of transnational crime collectively.
"The immense and multifaceted challenges on security issues in the 40 years of Asean`s existence have strengthened our resolve and belief in working together towards a peaceful, secure and prosperous region," said the Minister.
He also pointed out that the stability of Asean lies in the region`s strong adherence to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, consensus, dialogue and consultation.
However, Pehin Dato Adanan also called for a dedicated focal point in each member country to categorically deal with transnational crime.
"I see the need to promote easier and more efficient contact between the various enforcement agencies in our region," said the Minister who added that it could be achieved through the establishment of a focal point in each Asean country, tasked to handle the issues involved with transnational crime.
While the region continues to enjoy a secure and stable environment, terrorism and transnational crime continue to pose as serious threats to the security of the Southeast Asian region.
Meanwhile, following on from the AMMTC, tomorrow will see the 3rd Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime plus 3 take, place.
Asean`s Ministers and Senior Officials responsible for issues with transnational crime will be joined by their counterparts from the People`s Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea as dialogue partners.
The meeting is viewed as a strengthening of the cooperation between Asean and their dialogue partner s in the field of security policies and strategies.
Source: www.brudirect.com (7 November 2007)
