BEIJING — China and Cambodia launched the Year of Law Enforcement Cooperation between the two sides on March 29, pledging to strengthen cooperation in combating cross-border criminal activities.

State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi and visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng attended the launch ceremony.

Zhao said that the decision of the two countries’ leaders to designate this year as China-Cambodia law enforcement cooperation year opens a new chapter for bilateral law enforcement cooperation.

This year the two sides will regularly carry out joint law enforcement operations against crimes such as illegal online gambling, telecom fraud, drug crimes, crimes committed by mafia-like gangs and violent crimes, he said. Moreover, they will also adopt customs facilitation measures and make efforts to better protect the security and interests of the enterprises and citizens located in each other’s country.

Zhao also called for closer personnel exchanges and experience sharing, saying the Chinese side expects the two law enforcement departments to do their best to promote law enforcement and security cooperation.

Sar Kheng said the Cambodian side will work with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus of the two countries’ leaders and strengthen cooperation in combating cross-border criminal activities.