THE 20th Myanmar-Chi­na Joint Drug Control Meeting was hosted yesterday afternoon at Taunggyi Hotel in Taunggyi, with Myan­mar serving as the host.

At the opening, Po­lice Maj-Gen Win Bo, Deputy Chief of Police of the Myanmar Police Force, stated that the drug problem is one of the major challeng­es faced by countries around the world today. He noted that the pro­duction, trafficking and abuse of drugs not only lead to an increase in domestic crime but also give rise to economic, social and health-relat­ed consequences. As drug markets expand, they are increasingly linked to corruption, money laundering, terrorist activities and other forms of trans­national crime, posing serious threats to na­tional development and stability.

He added that drug prevention and suppres­sion efforts play a cru­cial role in safeguarding the lives of younger gen­erations and promoting the socio-economic de­velopment of the people of both countries. Based on the long-standing friendship, mutual un­derstanding and trust between Myanmar and China, he expressed full confidence that strengthening bilater­al cooperation on drug control year by year would yield positive and tangible results.

Subsequently, Mr Zhao Zhongchen, Depu­ty Secretary-General of the National Narcotics Control Commission of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China and Deputy Director-Gen­eral of the Narcotics Control Bureau, said that Myanmar and Chi­na have been cooperat­ing on drug control for many years and have achieved significant successes. He empha­sized the critical impor­tance of chemical con­trol in drug suppression efforts and stated that the two countries would continue to exchange in­formation on the control of chemicals. He added that chemicals exported from China to Myanmar are being strictly scru­tinized. He also noted that both sides would strengthen informa­tion sharing on the ar­rest of drug fugitives and the suppression of cross-border drug syndicates, and would continue to cooperate closely based on shared views and mutual un­derstanding.

During the meet­ing, delegates from both sides held open and con­structive discussions on the current drug situa­tion in border areas, the status of information exchange, the control of precursor chemicals, cross-border coopera­tion mechanisms, meas­uring poppy fields using satellite imagery, and arrangements for China to host the 21st bilateral meeting in rotation. — MNA/MKKS