VIENTIANE: Officials from Laos and Cambodia gathered here for the first Laos-Cambodia Prosecutors' Office Meeting on Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime, with a particular focus on drug trafficking.
The meeting took place on Tuesday (July 15) and brought together senior prosecutors from both countries to deepen cooperation, Lao News Agency reported on Wednesday.
In his speech, President of the Supreme People's Prosecutor Office of Laos, Xaysana Khotphouthone (pic), said that the meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral judicial cooperation, noting that it reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and aims to reinforce collaboration in criminal prosecution, particularly in the fight against transnational and drug-related crimes.
Xaysana highlighted that the drug crisis has severely impacted all sectors of Lao society, from students and youth to rural communities, and warned that if left unaddressed, it could become a root cause of various crimes and a serious threat to national stability.
In response, the Lao government has declared drug control a national agenda, implementing stricter policies and targeted law enforcement strategies. In 2024, authorities recorded 5,012 drug-related cases, with an additional 1,422 cases reported in the first five months of 2025.
During the meeting, both countries agreed to boost cross-border coordination, improve information sharing, and invest in joint training programs. - Xinhua
