Quang made the statement at the 7th mid-term review of the ASEAN Regional Forum on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes which opened in the capital yesterday. Representatives from 27 countries, including China, Japan, India, Canada, Australia and the European Union, participated.

“The use of technology in economic and financial crimes has become a major challenge to many countries,” Quang said. “That’s why ASEAN member states and their partners should co-operate in the exchange of information and experience and in actions to prevent terrorism.”

Pham Quang Vinh, an assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the Vietnamese delegation to the ARF Senior Official Meeting, said he hoped Viet Nam would use the meeting to reiterate its determination to co-operate in the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes with other nations.

“It is a good chance for Viet Nam to work with other nations to create a network, strengthen its capacity and support training and technical equipment,” said Vinh.

In addition to discussing the main topic of the prevention of internet fraud, participants also discussed future co-operation within the ARF in counter terrorism and international crimes, particularly in the framework of policy co-operation between ARF members.

Viet Nam is hosting the event and holds the Vice Chairman position of the ASEAN/ARF in 2009.

VietNamNet/VNS