High-Level Delegation Strengthens Ties
A delegation from the Belarusian Internal Affairs Ministry, led by Minister Ivan Kubrakov, conducted an official visit to Vietnam in October 2025, signaling a significant step in bolstering security cooperation between the two nations. The visit underscored a mutual commitment to enhancing professionalism in law enforcement through various collaborative initiatives.
Key Meetings and Agreements
During his visit, Minister Kubrakov engaged in several high-level meetings. On October 26, he met with Mai Hoang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Security Department, where discussions focused on the exchange of delegations and experts, prompt information provision, and joint events. Earlier, on October 25, Minister Kubrakov held talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and Vietnam's Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang. A significant outcome of these meetings was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ho Chi Minh City Public Security Department and the Internal Affairs Department of the Brest Oblast Executive Committee. This builds upon previous agreements, including a program of cooperation and another memorandum signed in April 2023 between the respective ministries and city police departments.
Focus Areas for Enhanced Cooperation
The discussions covered a broad spectrum of security and law enforcement areas, aiming to improve the capabilities of both countries' services. Key areas of cooperation include:
- Exchange programs for delegations and experts.
- Information sharing to combat various forms of crime.
- Joint events to improve law enforcement professionalism.
- Training of Vietnamese police officers in Belarusian educational institutions.
- Combating transnational organized crime, extremism, and terrorism.
- Addressing drug trafficking and illegal migration.
- Ensuring public order and security.
- Countering cybercrime and high-tech crime.
- Ensuring the security and safety of diplomatic missions, businesses, students, and citizens in each other's countries.
International Commitment to Cybercrime Fight
A notable event during the visit was Minister Ivan Kubrakov's participation in the signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi on October 25, 2025. This convention, signed by over 100 countries, aims to strengthen international cooperation in combating information technology-related crimes, providing for 24/7 data exchange and mutual assistance in investigations.
Strategic Partnership Underpins Collaboration
This intensified cooperation follows the elevation of Belarus-Vietnam relations to a Strategic Partnership in May 2025, a development that has opened new avenues for collaboration, particularly in security and law enforcement. Both nations have a history of cooperation in these fields, with previous agreements dating back to 2016, focusing on personnel exchange and crime prevention.
5 Comments
Comandante
Increased cooperation against cybercrime is a positive step. Essential in today's world.
Bella Ciao
Exchange programs for experts can certainly improve operational capabilities for both countries. Nevertheless, it's crucial to ensure these exchanges adhere to international norms and do not inadvertently facilitate practices that undermine civil liberties or democratic principles.
Muchacha
Deepening security ties can bring stability and efficiency in managing shared threats like drug trafficking. Yet, the broader geopolitical context, particularly Belarus's close alignment with Russia, suggests potential motives beyond simple crime fighting that warrant scrutiny.
Bermudez
This clearly looks like an expansion of Russian influence, not genuine security.
Muchacho
Strengthening law enforcement professionalism through training is generally beneficial, but the source of that training, especially from a nation with a questionable democratic standing, needs careful oversight to prevent undesirable practices from being adopted.