China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand agree to secure Mekong River shipping after deadly boat raid
(KPL/Xinhua) — China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have agreed to take joint action to crack down on cross-border crime and secure transportation along the Mekong River.
The pledge came out of a one-day law enforcement meeting between senior cabinet members from the four countries. The meeting took place nearly one month after two cargo ships were attacked on Oct. 5 which resulted in the murder of 13 Chinese sailors.
“The participants agreed to take effective measures to step up efforts in joint investigation so as to uncover the full details of the case and bring the criminals to justice as soon as possible,” said a joint statement issued after the meeting.
Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana, Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Douangchay Phichit and Myanmar’s Minister of Home Affairs Ko Ko attended the meeting.
The four states agreed to formally establish the “Law Enforcement Cooperation along the Mekong River Mechanism” to cope with the new security situation on the river.
Under the framework, the four countries will build sub-mechanisms for intelligence exchanges, patrolling and law enforcement, as well as for tackling major problems jeopardizing public order, combating transnational crimes and dealing with emergency events.
All participants will “carry out coordinated special campaigns to eradicate criminal organizations which have long threatened the region’s security,” said the statement.
