Senior diplomats from South Korea and Thailand have agreed to expand cooperation in defense and the arms industry and to strengthen coordination against transnational crimes, including online scams.

Seoul’s foreign ministry said Wednesday that First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and Thailand’s permanent secretary for foreign affairs, Eksiri Pintaruchi, reached the agreement during a bilateral strategic dialogue in Seoul.

The two sides pledged to maintain close communication and enhance international cooperation, including collaboration with ASEANAPOL, in tackling transnational crimes such as online scams and drug-related offenses.

Park requested Thailand’s active cooperation in addressing challenges faced by South Korean firms, such as foreign ownership restrictions and requirements on employing Thai nationals.

Eksiri said Thailand places high importance on attracting foreign investment, including from South Korea, and vowed to closely review the issues raised.

The two officials also agreed to work toward swiftly concluding a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.