A Vietnamese delegation led by Hoang Anh Tuyen, Deputy Head of the Standing Office for Crime and Drug Control, attended the 32 nd Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) that took place in Vientiane , Laos , from Oct. 11-13.

Speaking at the meeting, Tuyen presented Vietnam ’s achievements in drug crime prevention and control and proposed many initiatives in this field.

Apart from upholding internal resources, Vietnam will expand international cooperation in preventing and fighting illegal drugs, especially with ASEAN member countries, to fulfil the commitment of a drug-free ASEAN by 2015.

Delegates at the meeting reviewed and assessed the implementation of ASOD Action Plan which was approved at previous meetings.

ASEAN members and their partners, including the Republic of Korea , China and Japan , have closely coordinated, contributing to improving the efficiency of the battle against drug crime in the region, the meeting was told.

Delegates also agreed to increase exchange of information and professional skills and support each other in equipment supply.

Chairman of the Lao National Committee for Drug Control and Supervision Soubanh Srithirath called on the concerned countries to enhance cooperation and to recognise all commitments and ASOD targets.

The event drew the participation of over 100 delegates from ASEAN member countries, UN organisations and partners./.