The External Relations Agency under the Ministry of Public Security made its debut in Hanoi on September 17.

The Agency combines Interpol Vietnam under the General Police Department for Crime Prevention and the International Cooperation Department.

Adressing the ceremony, General Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Minister of the Public Security of Vietnam, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s decision on the establishment of the External Relations Agency reflected the important role of the ministry’s external relations and international cooperation in today’s modern age.

Public Security Minister Quang asked leaders of the Agency to promptly adopt all the regulations and mechanisms necessary to fulfill its obligations. He also said the Agency should develop a comprehensive policy for its external affairs and expand security cooperation with international police forces and organisations.

The Agency needs to negotiate and sign treaties; establish bilateral and multilateral cooperation; create an effective legal framework on protecting national security and social order; foster the exchange of experience; and enhance professional training opportunities. Cooperation of this kind would contribute to the building of mutual trust, solidarity and friendships, Quang added.

The Ministry of Public Security has so far established official ties with 161 security and police agencies from 56 countries and territories all over the world. To date, Vietnam has joined 22 organisations and security forums, both regionally and globally, and is the 156 th member of the Interpol Organisation.-VNA