From November 25 to November 29, 2024, the Korea–ASEAN Police Cooperation Forum, held in Seoul, South Korea, served as a productive platform for strengthening regional collaboration. Representing the ASEANAPOL Secretariat were Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan and Assistant Superintendent of Police Engku Nurul ‘Aini Engku Malek. The forum, themed “International Cooperation and ODA: From Building Infrastructure to Preventing Transnational Crimes,” highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing shared security challenges.
As part of the forum, a bilateral meeting was held with the Korea National Police Agency (KNPA), represented by Senior Superintendent Joung Won Park, Director of the International Cooperation Division, Ms. Su On Jung, Deputy Director of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), International Investigative Assistance Division, and Mr. Choi Jinwoo from the International Cooperation Division. Discussions focused on enhancing capacity-building initiatives and further solidifying KNPA’s role as a Dialogue Partner to ASEANAPOL, a partnership established in 2008. This enduring collaboration reflects a shared commitment to effectively combating transnational crimes.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat also provided an update on the outcomes of the 42nd ASEANAPOL Conference held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, from October 21 to 25, 2024. During the conference, the Chiefs of ASEAN National Police tasked the Secretariat with consulting member countries on developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Plan of Action with KNPA. This initiative aims to implement the International Response Against Exploitation Platform (I-NARAE), targeting the online distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM). The Secretariat also informed the KNPA delegation that the draft MOU, incorporating KNPA’s inputs, had been received and assured that the ASEANAPOL Secretariat would expeditiously process it for the approval of the ASEANAPOL Chiefs.
Both sides expressed a strong commitment to exploring opportunities to strengthen the capabilities of ASEAN police agencies and align KNPA’s contributions with the needs of member countries. KNPA emphasized its interest in understanding ASEAN member countries' priorities and assured that proposed initiatives would be reviewed to ensure they align with mutual objectives.
In addition, Executive Director Vinluan proposed that KNPA co-host future ASEANAPOL Contact Persons Meetings (ACPM) to deepen cooperation and leverage shared resources for regional security initiatives. He assured the KNPA that a draft concept note would be shared soon for their consideration.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat also expressed support for KNPA’s ongoing efforts to address key issues such as the arrest of Korean fugitives residing in ASEAN member countries and assisting Korean citizens visiting or residing in ASEAN nations. This collaboration highlights a mutual commitment to enhancing support and cooperation.
In conclusion, the KNPA team expressed their sincere appreciation to the ASEANAPOL Secretariat for its continued support. Executive Director Vinluan reciprocated by acknowledging KNPA’s steadfast commitment to fostering regional security. He also announced that the 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference would be held in Thailand in late September or October 2025, marking another significant milestone in ASEANAPOL’s collaborative efforts, and invited the active participation of KNPA.
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"Together We Keep This Region Safe"
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