Viet Nam, Palestine seek to strengthen security and law enforcement cooperation

Congratulating Ambassador Shadi Abu Zarqa on assuming his new position, Minister Luong Tam Quang expressed confidence that, with his legal expertise and extensive diplomatic experience, the Ambassador would enjoy a successful tenure in Viet Nam.

Affirming the close bonds between the two peoples, Minister Luong Tam Quang emphasized that Palestine has been a close friend and reliable partner of Viet Nam throughout the past struggle for national independence and the present cause of national construction and development.

Despite their geographical distance, the two nations share many similarities and the common aspiration for independence, sovereignty and prosperity, as well as a fair and democratic society.

Expressing sympathy for the hardships and losses suffered by the Palestinian people, particularly amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Minister Luong Tam Quang affirmed Viet Nam’s strong support for efforts to restore peace and stability in Gaza and the wider region.

He also expressed Viet Nam’s wish to actively contribute to promoting dialogue and seeking comprehensive, long-term solutions to the regional peace process in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Regarding law enforcement cooperation, Minister Luong Tam Quang noted that the Palestinian Interior Minister’s visit to Viet Nam in May 2023 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on crime prevention and control represented an important milestone, laying a firm foundation for security and law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.

To further consolidate the traditional friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Palestine, Minister Luong Tam Quang proposed that the two sides actively promote bilateral cooperation in politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, security, defense, education and training, culture and social affairs.

He also called on the two sides to strengthen mutual support at regional and international multilateral forums.

Regarding specialized cooperation, Minister Luong Tam Quang proposed increasing delegation exchanges at all levels between the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam and the Palestinian Ministry of the Interior, while expanding cooperation in cybersecurity and the fight against hi-tech and transnational crimes.

The Minister also underlined the need to strengthen information sharing on global and regional issues of mutual concern, particularly risks and challenges to security and order in each country.

He further proposed that Palestine actively exchange information and assessments regarding international terrorism and transnational organized crime that could risk Viet Nam’s security and public safety.

For his part, Ambassador Shadi Abu Zarqa sincerely thanked Minister Luong Tam Quang for receiving him, and hailed the positive developments in relations between the two nations in general, as well as between the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam and Palestinian law enforcement agencies in particular.

The Ambassador expressed his hope that the two sides would continue expanding and deepening cooperation in potential areas, thereby contributing to maintaining security and order in each nation and promoting peace, stability and development around the world.