The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the South African Ministry of Police signed an agreement on strengthening their cooperation, especially in preventing organised and transnational crimes and wildlife smuggling.

The agreement was reached during a visit to South Africa from June 5-8 by a delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) led by Minister Le Hong Anh.

During the four-day visit, Minister Anh held talks with Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa and Minister of National Security Siyabonga Cwele of South Africa .

The Vietnamese minister spoke highly of effective cooperation between the MPS and the two South African ministries, expressing his belief that the two sides would expand their cooperation in the future.

He congratulated South Africa on its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2011-2012 and as an official member of the group of emerging economies (BRIC).

South African Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa highly valued the role and position of Vietnam in the international arena as well as achievements made during the renewal process.

He expressed a wish to further boost cooperation between the two ministries in preventing transnational and organised crime, including money laundering, drug and human trafficking, and the smuggling of wildlife, especially rhino.

He affirmed that in a context where dangerous crimes were increasing and becoming a global challenge, the close cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa was indispensable in effective crime prevention./.