MYANMAR, VIETNAM TO COOPERATE FOR SECURITY

Myanmar and Vietnam have vowed to promote security cooperation between the two countries, state media reported Tuesday.

The pledge was made by Myanmar Minister of Home Affairs Lieutenant-General Ko Ko and visiting Vietnamese Minister of Public Security General Tran Dai Quang at the first ministerial meeting of the two countries on combating transnational crime and security matters held in Nay Pyi Taw, said the New Light of Myanmar.

The meeting discussed matters on anti-narcotics, anti-terrorism, preventive measures against poisonous materials, trafficking of women and children and money laundering, it said.





The meeting called for efforts to face challenges and threats, tackle regional issues such as democracy, human rights, especially taking Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair by Myanmar in 2014, it added.

Meanwhile, according to Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar and Vietnam signed a visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders which grants exemption for entry, exit and transit visas up to 14 days of stay in each other's territories, beyond which a formal visa is required.

The exemption will take effect from Oct. 26.