Vietnam prioritises combating drugs: PM

Vietnam gives high priority to the combat and prevention of illegal drugs and will work closely with the UN and Mekong sub-regional nations at both bilateral and multilateral levels to stop the global issue, stated Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung and UNODC Regional Representative Jeremy Douglas (Credit: VGP)
PM Nguyen Tan Dung and UNODC Regional Representative Jeremy Douglas (Credit: VGP)

The Vietnamese Government leader hosted a reception on May 21 for heads of foreign delegations from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), who are in Hanoi to attend the Ministerial Meeting of Signatory Countries of the 1993 Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Vietnam prioritises combating drugs: PM ảnh 1

PM Dung receives heads of foreign delegations from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and the UNODC. (Credit: VGP)

He spoke highly of the agreements reached during the meeting, including the ninth edition of the regional action plan.

Co-operative mechanisms in the sub-region have helped design initiatives and policies on drug combat and prevention, he said, adding that Vietnam was committed to effectively implementing the newly-adopted action plan.

The host also spoke of the role and support of the UNODC for regional countries, suggesting the office continue its assistance and co-operation for a drug-free world.

UNODC Regional Representative Jeremy Douglas appreciated Vietnam’s role and commitments in the fight against drugs, affirming that collaboration between nations provides a strong support for the global commitment of the UN and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the fight.

The UN and UNODC will coordinate closely with regional countries and provide them with necessary assistance to prevent trans-national crime, especially those relating to drugs.