New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) India and Vietnam Monday signed a pact to intensify their cooperation in combating global terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and trans-national crime. A memorandum of understanding for bilateral cooperation on security matters was signed here after delegation-level talks between Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Vietnamese Minister for Public Security, General Le Hong Anh.

The two sides also reviewed the security-related initiatives and discussed issues relating to training of defence personnel.

A Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between India and Vietnam was signed during the visit of Patil to Vietnam last year.

During that visit, India agreed to impart training to officers of Vietnam in investigating bank fraud cases, organised crimes, money laundering, economic offences, drug trafficking, cyber crime and scientific investigation.

Two courses have since been conducted and more are likely to follow. India plans to set up a laboratory on cyber forensic in Vietnam, likely to cost at least half a million dollars.

India also plans to train Vietnamese forces for UN missions.