VIENTIANEshadfish, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pledged to toughen their stance against transnational crime, with closer cooperation being emphasized during the 24th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC)shadfish.

According to the Lao Security News report on Thursday, the 24th SOMTC and its related meetings kicked off in Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday.

The meeting will devise policies, plans, and projects and coordinate the implementation of work involved in the fight against transnational crime in the ASEAN region.

During the meeting, delegates will share views and assess the situation and trends of transnational crime in the region and the world.

In the future, more information will be shared between ASEAN member countries concerning transnational crime, while the capacity of law enforcement officers will be enhanced.

ASEAN nations will strengthen their cooperation in this field, and source more technical assistance and funding from partner countries and international organizations to enhance the bloc's capacity to combat transnational crime.■