New step forward in cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations in preventing and combating cybercrime

Minister Luong Tam Quang warmly congratulated the success of the signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention that took place earlier in the morning of the same day, affirming that this is the document with the widest and most comprehensive influence compared to all international legal instruments related to cyberspace today. At the same time, this is a historic milestone, demonstrating international consensus in creating a new legal framework to strengthen cooperation and improve the effectiveness of the fight against high-tech crimes that are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated.

Minister Luong Tam Quang emphasized that the Convention's adoption by consensus during a period of urgent negotiations has once again affirmed the importance of multilateralism, as well as the central role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation on the basis of international law to effectively respond to global challenges.

The Minister said that this important event took place at a time when Vietnam had just been re-elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council with the highest number of votes in the Asia- Pacific group, demonstrating the international community's trust in Vietnam's open foreign policy and efforts to participate and actively contribute to multilateral mechanisms.

On this occasion, on behalf of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, Minister Luong Tam Quang respectfully expressed his sincere thanks to Ms. Ghada Waly and the team of leaders, experts and staff of UNODC who have always accompanied and closely coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam during the past time, making an important contribution to the success of the Hanoi Convention Opening Ceremony.

Minister Luong Tam Quang spoke at the reception.

Minister Luong Tam Quang affirmed that the coordination between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and UNODC has conveyed a strong message about the spirit of international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, aiming to establish unified communication standards between entities in cyberspace - from law enforcement agencies, service providers to people, victims of cybercrime - thereby promoting the safe and sustainable development of global cyberspace in the era of Industry 4.0. The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security has always consistently supported and promoted multilateralism and international cooperation in solving global issues, considering this an important factor contributing to maintaining international peace, stability and security.

Minister Luong Tam Quang welcomed the efforts and appreciated the role of the United Nations in general, and UNODC in particular, in supporting countries to improve their capacity to prevent and combat transnational organized crime and respond to non-traditional security challenges, especially cybercrime. Since the establishment of the UNODC Representative Office in Vietnam in 1992, the organization has established a close and increasingly in-depth cooperative relationship with relevant agencies of Vietnam, including the Ministry of Public Security. On this occasion, on behalf of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, Minister Luong Tam Quang highly appreciated and sincerely thanked UNODC for its support in the past time, especially cooperation activities within the framework of a number of key programs such as border management, prevention of high-tech crime, human trafficking, environmental crime, corruption and terrorism.

Ms. Ghada Waly, UN Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime spoke at the reception.

Regarding the fight against high-tech crimes, the Minister stated that UNODC has closely coordinated with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security to implement many programs to improve digital investigation capacity, analyze electronic evidence and cryptocurrencies, and create conditions for many Vietnamese police officers to attend training courses, seminars, and exchange practical experiences abroad.

Minister Luong Tam Quang welcomed the idea of establishing and locating the UNODC Regional Center for Cybercrime Prevention in Vietnam, affirming that this will be an important step contributing to enhancing Vietnam's role and position in the international community, demonstrating Vietnam's strong commitment to responding to non-traditional security challenges.

According to Minister Luong Tam Quang, transnational crime, especially cybercrime, is currently a common challenge for the whole world, and no country can effectively solve this problem on its own. The birth of the Hanoi Convention marked an important turning point after more than two decades, when for the first time the international community achieved a global legal document on transnational crime. The Convention not only demonstrates the common determination in responding to increasingly complex challenges from cyberspace, but also affirms that international solidarity and cooperation are the key to ensuring global cyber security.

Minister Luong Tam Quang emphasized that the name "Hanoi Convention" is not only a source of pride for Vietnam, but also demonstrates the trust and recognition of the United Nations and the international community for Vietnam's consistent stance, capacity and commitment in joining hands to address global challenges for peace, security and sustainable development.

Regarding the field of drug prevention and control, Minister Luong Tam Quang said that Vietnam is currently facing many difficulties in drug appraisal, especially the lack of standard samples for appraisal and identification of new drugs. The Minister requested UNODC to consider and support the provision of more standard drug samples, especially for newly emerging drugs, to serve more effectively the appraisal and investigation work in Vietnam.

On the occasion of the signing of the Hanoi Convention, Minister Luong Tam Quang expressed his hope that UNODC would continue to pay attention and support Vietnam and member countries in internalizing and effectively implementing the commitments of the Convention, while increasing training courses and in-depth training for Vietnamese police officers on digital investigation, collection and preservation of electronic evidence. Minister Luong Tam Quang also noted the support for modern technical equipment for electronic data investigation and appraisal, as well as the construction of digital laboratories that meet international standards, meeting the requirements of fighting and preventing high-tech crimes in the new period.

Regarding the idea of establishing a UNODC regional center on combating cybercrime in Vietnam, Minister Luong Tam Quang suggested that UNODC develop a specific roadmap, clearly defining the authority, responsibility, field and scope of operation of the Center, ensuring compliance with the provisions of international law and Vietnamese law.

At the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue to promote the existing cooperation mechanisms in depth, especially in the BLO mechanism - the Regional Border Liaison Office Network, contributing to strengthening coordination in preventing and combating transnational crimes. The two sides agreed to step up cooperation in capacity building, equipment support and human resource training for forces working in preventing and combating money laundering, terrorist financing, preventing violent extremism, as well as in preventing and combating drug crimes, high-tech crimes, environmental crimes, human trafficking and investigating corruption cases with foreign elements.

The two sides also agreed to study and promote high-level contacts and delegation exchanges between the leaders of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and UNODC, thereby enhancing coordination in priority areas of cooperation. The Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam proposed that UNODC expand the program of inviting Ministry of Public Security officials to attend international conferences and seminars, and organize delegations to study practical experiences in the field of preventing and combating transnational crimes, high-tech crimes and other non-traditional security challenges.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/buoc-tien-moi-trong-hop-tac-giua-viet-nam-va-lien-hop-quoc-ve-phong-chong-toi-pham-mang-10392942.html