Hanoi (VNA) - This is a pivotal moment globally in tackling cybercrime, and Vietnam is at the forefront of that effort - something the country should be very proud of, according to Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite.
In an interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency reporter on the sidelines of the signing ceremony and high-level conference of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime which are taking place in the Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi on October 25-26, Thistlethwaite affirmed that this is a crucial moment for Vietnam and the world to work together to address the growing issue of cybersecurity, while ensuring that the people remain safe and protected.
Showing his impression with Vietnam’s level of development over the past 20 years, especially in a city like Hanoi, he said that this is one of the reasons why Vietnam was chosen to host this important signing ceremony, which also demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to addressing cybersecurity issues not only in the region but also globally.
Assessing the UN Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the Hanoi Convention, Thistlethwaite affirmed that for the first time, the international community has a convention dedicated specifically to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of cyber-related crimes.
It covers both crimes committed through cyberspace (such as human trafficking or the sharing of intimate images) and crimes dependent on cyberspace (such as cyberattacks). At last, the world has reached a consensus to recognise these as criminal acts and to cooperate in building a framework for the investigation and prosecution against them.
According to the minister, cybersecurity cooperation has become a key pillar of the Australia–Vietnam partnership. Earlier this year, Australia signed a four-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cyber and critical technology cooperation with Vietnam, ensuring the two governments work together to share information, build skills, and collaborate at multilateral forums. The goal is to protect the two countries’ citizens, businesses, and economies from cyber threats and ensure effective prosecution of cybercrimes.
Regionally, Australia is investing 85 million AUD (55.4 million USD) to strengthen cybersecurity capacity across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, while working with key partners like Vietnam to keep the people and economies safe.
Thistlethwaite stressed that cybercrime knows no borders, as it threatens every nation. Australia has faced major attacks on telecoms, insurers, and even the national airline, most originating overseas. This underscores the need for global cooperation. That’s why this Hanoi Convention matters. It reflects the world’s shared commitment to act together against cyber threats.
As Vietnam has also faced serious incidents impacting its economy and people, Australia looks forward to working with the country to share information and strengthen collective cybersecurity, he said./.
VNA
