On April 18, 2023, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat visited His Excellency TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, at his office in Kuala Lumpur. The delegation, led by ASEANAPOL Secretariat Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan and Police Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Director for Plans & Programmes, received a warm welcome from His Excellency TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko.
The visit started
with a brief presentation discussing the objectives of both organizations and identifying potential areas for collaboration. Emphasis was placed on addressing urgent issues such as terrorism, syndicated organized crime, and the need for capacity-building training initiatives. Both parties stressed the importance of developing training programs tailored to the specific needs and challenges of ASEANAPOL member countries.
Discussions during the visit also covered the ten core transnational crime areas previously highlighted by the ASEANAPOL Secretariat's Executive Director. These areas, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering, were acknowledged as significant threats to regional security. Both parties recognized the importance of cooperation and coordinated efforts to effectively combat these crimes.
The focus on tailored training initiatives and collaboration in addressing the ten core transnational crime areas demonstrates the shared commitment of ASEANAPOL and the Government of Japan, represented by His Excellency TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, to strengthening regional security and law enforcement capabilities. Through these efforts, they aim to create a safer and more resilient ASEAN community capable of addressing evolving challenges posed by transnational criminal activities.
The Executive Director expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan, the National Police Agency of Japan, and H.E. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko for their unwavering support to the ASEANAPOL Secretariat. He also highlighted ten core areas of transnational organized crime identified as top priorities for ASEANAPOL.
The visit resulted in productive discussions, laying the groundwork for enhanced collaboration between the two parties in the future. Both sides eagerly anticipate strengthening their working relationship in the days ahead.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe”