President Lee Jae Myung is set to hold summit talks with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith on Monday, with discussions to center on closer coordination to combat transnational crimes, as well as economic and security cooperation. The two leaders are expected to explore ways to strengthen joint efforts to curb transnational crimes, such as online scam operations, which have surged across Southeast Asia in recent years. During the summit, the two countries plan to sign mutual legal assistance and extradition treaties to lay the groundwork for closer cooperation in combating transnational crimes, according to Lee's office. South Korea has been working with regional partners to address a rise in criminal cases involving Korean nationals, including online fraud, illegal gambling and drug trafficking. Their talks are also expected to explore ways to expand trade and investment, strengthen cooperation in infrastructure and supply chains, and coordinate on regional and international issues, the office said. Thongloun arrived in Seoul on Sunday for a two-day official visit at Lee's invitation