ASEAN'S police chiefs yesterday vowed stronger cooperation against transnational crimes as they ended a regional meeting here yesterday.

In a joint communiqu¨? approved by delegates, the police chiefs agreed on stronger cooperation against terrorism, arms smuggling, cybercrime, commercial crime, among others.

Royal Brunei Police Commissioner Pehin Datu Kerma Setia CP Dato Paduka Seri Zainuddin Jalani said the renewed agreement on the multi-dimensional policing issues discussed in the 28th Aseanapol meeting has indicated that there is much more work to be done by all members.

In a speech during the closing ceremony, the chairman of the 28th Aseanapol conference said all Asean members are responsible for ensuring that the joint communiqu¨? and the Aseanapol Plan of Action signed and endorsed yesterday will not remain merely as a statements, but will be translated into actions even in the absence of a proper secretariat interim.

He said that one of the important milestones that was achieved in the meeting was the agreement with the Australian Federal Police to enhance and develop their regional cooperation and capabilities through training programmes

"This collaboration signifies how Aseanapol has developed from strength to strength in our relentless efforts of fighting and preventing crimes in the region collectively and effectively," said the commissioner.

"Our consensus on Malaysia to seat the Permanent Aseanapol Secretariat Office also signifies the way forward to our existing cooperation and relationship," said the commissioner, who also pointed out how the new development will become an important stepping stone for a more coherent and cohesive meetings.

Establishing a permanent secretariat office in Malaysia, he said, is in line with the challenges and development of an increasingly borderless world as highlighted by His Royal Highness Deputy Inspector General Police Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, who is also the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, in his opening speech for the conference.

The commissioner also congratulated the delegates for their participation, which he said has renewed and developed networks.

The meeting, he said, met goals to enhance police professionalism, forge stronger relationship cooperation in police work, and to promote lasting friendship amongst the region's police officers.