KATHMANDU: Home Minister Sudan Gurung has stressed the need for stronger cross-border cooperation among member states and faster action than criminals to tackle rising transnational crime.
Gurung made the remarks while representing Nepal at the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting held in India.
He said the meeting was important for ensuring a safe future for the next generation amid growing security challenges, including terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, money laundering and cybercrime.
He emphasised that effective information sharing, the use of advanced technology and joint regional initiatives were essential to combating such crimes.
Recognising that natural disasters do not respect national borders, Nepal formally proposed establishing a regional disaster preparedness and response mechanism and a joint task force under BIMSTEC.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Gurung also held bilateral talks with Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on shared security concerns.
Both ministers pledged to promote coordination and cooperation on various aspects of border security and emerging issues.
The discussions also covered challenges faced by Nepali industrialists and traders in accessing the Indian market, as well as problems faced by Nepali migrant workers living in India. Gurung said the Indian side had committed to providing the necessary coordination and support to address these concerns.