MELAKA: The historic city will play host to the 19th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC), bringing together more than 300 delegates from Monday to Friday (Sept 8 to 12).
"Timor-Leste will join the meeting as an observer.
"Asean dialogue partners such as China, Japan and South Korea will also take part in consultation sessions throughout the five-day meeting," he said on Sunday (Sept 7)
Azhar said the meeting will be officially opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a hotel here on Tuesday (Sept 9).
He noted that the AMMTC, established in 1997, has become a key platform for Asean nations to strengthen collaboration in combating transnational crimes, including human trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, firearms smuggling, money laundering and migrant smuggling.
He added that preparations for the event are almost complete, with the Home Ministry providing support in logistics, the opening ceremony, spousal programmes for delegates, and cultural performances.
"The presence of international delegates is not only significant from the standpoint of regional security but also presents a major opportunity for the state to promote its culture, hospitality and tourist attractions to the world," he said.
The state government is confident that the 19th AMMTC will enhance the country's international profile while positioning the historic city as a world-class destination for meetings and tourism, he added.
