On the morning of March 9, 2026, Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs hosted a working session with a delegation from the United States Embassy. The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant agencies, including Hai Phong City Police (Immigration Division), Customs Sub - Department Region III, Hai Phong City Military Command, Hai Phong City Border Guard Command at Port Gate, and Hai Phong Port Joint Stock Company. The U.S. delegation was led by Mr. Moses Kang, Special Agent and Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Overseas) of the Regional Security Office, Diplomatic Security Service.
Mr. Moses Kang, Special Agent and Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Overseas), Regional Security Office, Diplomatic Security Service, speaking at the meeting
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views and discussed cooperation in preventing and combating cross-border crime, as well as strengthening control and enforcement against smuggling, trade fraud, and the illegal cross-border transportation of goods, in accordance with the respective mandates of participating agencies. Based on the information provided by the city’s competent authorities, representatives of the U.S. Embassy further elaborated on relevant issues and proposed establishing direct liaison channels between U.S. and Hai Phong law enforcement authorities. The initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of detecting and combating smuggling and transnational human trafficking in Hai Phong in particular and Viet Nam in general. The delegation also expressed its willingness to support training and capacity-building activities for local agencies, including professional training courses and data-sharing initiatives tailored to the practical needs of the city units directly engaged in law enforcement operations. These activities could be implemented under capacity-building programs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Deputy Director of the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of relevant agencies listening to the delegation’s remarks
Concluding the working session, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the prompt and effective handling of consular cases, thereby contributing to a safe living environment for foreigners, remains one of Hai Phong city’s top priorities. The city expected to continue receiving close cooperation from the U.S. Embassy not only in the field of security but also in other areas in the future. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to serve as the focal point connecting the Embassy with local departments and agencies, while coordinating and consolidating training needs in areas such as combating human trafficking, smuggling, and trade fraud, ensuring that future training programs are aligned with the city’s practical conditions and requirements.
Participants at the meeting held on March 9, 2026 at the Department of Foreign Affairs
Later the same day, the delegation conducted field visits to Cat Bi International Airport and Dinh Vu Port. During the visits, members toured key operational areas and were briefed by the Police, Customs, and Border Guard forces on procedures related to immigration security monitoring, cargo inspection, and screening. Observing these operational processes firsthand allowed the delegation to gain a clearer understanding of the capacity of local authorities in monitoring, preventing, and combating violations of law.
Representatives of the Police and Customs forces at Cat Bi International Airport taking a group photo with the delegation
The outcomes of the working program provide an important foundation for further strengthening cooperation between Hai Phong and the United States Embassy in the coming period. Such efforts will not only enhance the effectiveness of combating cross-border crime but also contribute to building a stable and secure environment, laying the groundwork for the sustainable development of the port city in the future.