Cambodia Proposes Trilateral Anti-Crime Liaison Mechanism with Laos, Vietnam

PHNOM PENH, June 30, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has proposed creating a trilateral liaison mechanism with Laos and Vietnam to strengthen cooperation against cross‑border crime, including cyber scams, a move welcomed by Hanoi. Interior Minister Sar Sokha tabled the initiative during talks with Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang, in Phnom Penh on June 29, ahead of the second Cambodia–Laos–Vietnam ministerial meeting hosted by Cambodia’s Interior Ministry. Under the plan, liaison officers from the three countries would be stationed to facilitate faster information exchange, coordinate immigration procedures and improve cooperation in tackling transnational crime. Sokha said the mechanism would allow authorities to share data on foreign nationals linked to offences, manage immigration blacklists and coordinate repatriation of citizens involved in criminal activities. General Quang expressed support for the proposal, according to Cambodia’s Interior Ministry. Sokha noted the idea builds on earlier discussions with Laos’ Public Security Minister, with both sides agreeing to encourage further exchanges outside the ministerial framework to deepen cooperation. The two ministers voiced confidence the mechanism could be operational soon, enhancing efforts to prevent, investigate and combat cross‑border crime. They also reviewed the annual cooperation programme between their ministries, reaffirming commitments to implement agreements in line with directions from senior leaders.