VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) and National Assembly of Laos (Sapha Heng Xat) agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including law enforcement in a bid to tackle transnational crimes.

At the Parliamentary Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday, House Speaker Puan Maharani stated that both parties agreed to intensify cooperation in tackling transnational crimes, especially drug smuggling, by exchanging public legal documents, materials, and information as well as intensifying related joint technical activities.

Maharani, currently serving as chairperson of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), made the statement after holding a bilateral meeting with President of the Laotian parliament Xaysomphone Phomvihane and his delegates on the sidelines of the 44th AIPA General Assembly.

She emphasized the essence of eradicating narcotics-related crimes in the efforts to make Southeast Asia a safe, stable, and prosperous region, adding that Laos is a crucial party in this context, considering it shares borders with Thailand and Myanmar.

Furthermore, Maharani encouraged the Laotian parliament to support the ratification of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty agreed upon by both countries.

"I expect support from Laos for the ratification of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty during ASEAN meetings deliberating that matter," she pointed out.

On the occasion, she invited Laos to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia in the fields of tourism, economy, education, and culture in the hopes of boosting investment realization and people-to-people relations.

Both house speakers also used their meeting as a forum to discuss matters related to measures to resolving the Myanmar crisis by laying emphasis on the need for the Myanmar military junta to implement the agreed Five Point Consensus.

Phomvihane, for his part, expressed hope that both countries would continue to explore cooperation opportunities by intensifying mutual state visits.

He also expressed his readiness to support Indonesia and Laos to establish cooperation in promoting the transition to new and renewable energy as well as boosting bilateral trade and investment.

"I hope that both parliaments would push for the realization of cooperation opportunities. We would also like to appreciate Madam Maharani for her willingness to exchange experiences in connection with our preparations for hosting the 45th AIPA General Assembly," he remarked. (Antaranews)