Indonesia and Serbia Unite Against Transnational Crime
Indonesia is strengthening ties with Serbia to combat transnational crime, as stated by Minister Yasonna Laoly. Both nations face similar challenges due to their strategic geographical locations. The minister emphasized the importance of international cooperation and highlighted existing agreements on transnational crime, while also exploring opportunities for regulatory improvements and capacity building. The visit is aimed at formalizing legal assistance and extradition agreements between the two countries.
Indonesia is actively seeking to bolster its cooperation with Serbia to combat transnational crimes, as announced by Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoly. During a meeting with Serbian Deputy Minister of Justice Radomir Ilic in Belgrade on July 6, 2020, the minister highlighted that both countries, positioned strategically along trade routes, face shared challenges due to their geographical circumstances, including susceptibility to transnational organized crimes such as drug and firearm smuggling. Minister Laoly emphasized the importance of international collaboration in tackling these complex criminal networks, stressing that strengthening partnerships between nations is essential. He noted that Indonesia and Serbia have previously engaged in international frameworks aimed at countering such crimes and expressed a desire to elevate this collaboration further. Both nations are participants in key international agreements, including the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and the UN Drug Control Convention. The minister cited the extradition of Nikolov Iliev, a Serbian national linked to banking fraud, as a testament to the robust law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. In addition to addressing transnational organized crime, Minister Laoly indicated an interest in exploring collaborations in various sectors, particularly in enhancing the regulatory environment to improve the Ease of Doing Business rankings for Indonesia. Serbia ranks higher in this category, holding the 44th position compared to Indonesia’s 73rd, suggesting that both nations could benefit from sharing regulatory experiences. Furthermore, Laoly expressed a desire for capacity-building initiatives through exchanges of experts and joint training programs aimed at developing human resources. He concluded by articulating a strong belief in the potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Serbia, which remains open and promising. Minister Laoly and his delegation were in Belgrade to negotiate agreements concerning Mutual Legal Assistance and extradition, with plans to return to Indonesia shortly after the discussions.
The relationship between Indonesia and Serbia has evolved with shared interests, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by transnational organized crime. Both nations have geographical advantages that also create vulnerabilities, making cooperation critical. The discussions around strengthening ties emphasize the importance of international legal frameworks and bilateral agreements in combating crime and facilitating legal processes. Additionally, there are opportunities for economic collaboration, particularly in improving business conditions and regulatory frameworks, which are crucial for fostering trade and investment between the countries.
In summary, Minister Yasonna Laoly’s visit to Serbia underlines the commitment of both nations to enhance their partnership in combating transnational crimes. Their cooperation extends beyond law enforcement, delving into regulatory improvements and capacity-building initiatives aimed at mutual development. The agreements being formulated symbolize the intent to reinforce bilateral ties, which hold significant potential for both Indonesia and Serbia to address shared challenges and leverage opportunities for growth.
Original Source: en.antaranews.com
