Kuala lumpur: The 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and its related meetings have been regarded as a resounding success, serving as a vital platform for member states to strengthen cooperation and coordination in addressing the increasing complexity of cross-border crimes. Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Special Branch Pol. Maj. Gen. Voravat Amornvivat highlighted the growing challenges posed by transnational crime, noting that technological advances and evolving criminal syndicate methods have made these crimes increasingly complex and multidimensional.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Voravat emphasized the importance of collaboration among ASEAN member states, stating that no single country can tackle these crimes alone. He stressed the need for intelligence sharing, information exchange, and collaborative capacity building. He further noted that the 19th AMMTC provides a ministerial-level forum to enhance cooperation, allowing ministers to align their goals, address mutual challenges, and develop coordinated strategic plans.
Miguel Gomes, Chief of Staff to the Director-General of the Migration Service of Timor-Leste, commented on the significance of the meeting for Timor-Leste, which participated for the last time as an observer. He stated that the shared information was highly valuable, helping Timor-Leste understand the necessary steps to work with ASEAN countries in preventing and combating human trafficking.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Timor-Leste will become ASEAN's 11th member state, with full membership to be granted at the next regional meeting in Kuala Lumpur this October.
Colonel Benjamin D. Cadiente Jr from the Philippine Centre on Transnational Crime expressed that the meeting largely achieved its objectives, with ministers supporting the adoption of documents aimed at combating transnational crime. He highlighted the importance of addressing emerging and evolving forms of transnational crime in the region.
The 19th AMMTC and its related meetings are being held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', reflecting Malaysia's commitment to building a safer and more prosperous ASEAN community.