South Korea To Strengthen Cooperation With ASEAN To Fight Transnational Crime - President Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that South Korea will strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to combat transnational crimes and protect young people from falling victim to organised criminal networks in Southeast Asia.

Lee made the remarks during South Korea’s summit with ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, held as part of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, amid growing concerns over online scam operations targeting South Koreans following the recent torture and death of a South Korean student lured to a scam centre in Cambodia.

“Organised criminal rings, such as scam centres, have been spreading across border areas where the rule of law is weak, and unfortunately, many young people are becoming victims of transnational crime,” Lee said, according to Yonhap news agency.

He said the Korean National Police Agency will work closely with ASEANAPOL (ASEAN Police Chiefs) to eradicate these criminal hubs and ensure such crimes cannot take root in the region.

Seoul will also expand criminal justice cooperation both bilaterally and within ASEAN, he added.

In his first attendance at the annual gathering since taking office in June, Lee also outlined Seoul’s initiative to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) forged with ASEAN last year and proposed hosting a special Korea-ASEAN Summit in 2029 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The “CSP Vision,” based on ASEAN’s highest-level partnership framework, aims to position South Korea as a “contributor” for dreams and hope, a “springboard” for growth and innovation, and a “partner” for peace and stability.

Under the initiative, Lee said South Korea seeks to expand reciprocal visits to 15 million people annually and raise bilateral trade to US$300 billion, while playing a more active role in combating transnational crimes, enhancing maritime security and supporting disaster relief to help ensure regional peace and stability.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP