The meetings were in the framework of the visit of the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the US from May 11 to 17.
At the meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Homeland John K. Tien, Minister Lam emphasized that the bilateral relations between the two nations in general and between the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of Vietnam and the US Homeland Department in particular have been maintained despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two officials exchanged information and shared experience in crime prevention and control, especially transnational, hi-tech crime, child sexual abuse, economic crime, and human trafficking, as well as discussed issues regarding return of wanted fugitives.
The two sides agreed to expand bilateral cooperation to comprehensively, effectively and substantially, contribute to deepening the comprehensive partnership between the two nations and perfect long-term and direct cooperation mechanisms between law enforcement agencies to facilitate implementation of cooperation plans.
Both sides agreed to increase negotiations to soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in combating transnational crime, agreements on extradition and transfer of sentenced persons to create a legal basis for cooperation in prevention and control of transnational crime.
Furthermore, the two agencies sought to enhance cooperation between functional units of the MPS of Vietnam and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the US Department of Homeland in the field of fire prevention and rescue.
Specifically, the Vietnamese Public Security Minister asked the US side to have an objective assessment of the situation of human trafficking in Vietnam, and recognize Vietnam’s effort and achievements in preventing and combating human trafficking.
For his part, Mr. John Tien highly appreciated the visit of Minister To Lam and the delegation of the MPS and believed that it would contribute to strengthening and deepening the comprehensive partnership between the two countries in general, and between the MPS and the US Department of Homeland in particular.
During the meeting with Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism in New York on May 16 (US time), Minister To Lam appreciated the UN’s support for the fight against terrorism and extremist violence in Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular.
He underlined the urgent need to further cooperation in promoting multilateralism globally as well as in enhancing the effectiveness of regional and international cooperation mechanisms, including the ones with the participation of the UN.
As a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2020-2021 period, Vietnam made substantial contributions to multilateral negotiations to find solutions to common concerns of the international community.
During the period, Vietnam continuously strengthened coordination with other members of the UNSC and proposed many practical initiatives to find mechanisms and measures to prevent conflicts. The country also actively shared experience in national reconstruction and recovery in the post-war times, as well as methods to minimize and overcome consequences of unexploded ordinance with other UN members.
The two sides shared the view that the threat from terrorism continues to grow globally, while international terrorist groups are seeking new operational methods, increasing the use of the cyberspace and information technology, and linking with transnational criminals. Terrorism continues to be a serious threat to international security and peace.
Minister Lam expressed concern that COVID-19 long-term impacts on the global economy would lead to a rise in terrorist attacks, and online extremist propaganda and terrorist recruitment.
He acknowledged the UN’s important role in coordinating and uniting international efforts to fight terrorism among UN member states.
Vietnam commits to cooperating with the UN and countries in the fight against terrorism and supports efforts of the international community in seeking effective approaches to eliminate terrorism.
The minister said the country needs assistance for its counter-terrorism and air security efforts to build a Countering Terrorist Travel program (CTTP) and Threat Assessment Models (TAM Program).
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism thanked the Vietnamese MPS for its active and responsible cooperation in implementing the UN’s programs and initiatives to fight transnational crimes, including terrorism and extremist violence. He hoped that the ministry would continue to participate in carrying out the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and assign experienced officers to work in UN offices including the Office of Counter-Terrorism.