Vietnam, Spain ink legal assistance treaty on criminal matters

A treaty on mutual legal assistance in relation to criminal matters between Vietnam and Spain was signed in the capital city of Madrid on September 18.  

At the signing ceremony
At the signing ceremony

The deal, signed by Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy Nguyen Hoa Binh and Spanish Minister of Justice Rafael Catala Polo, is intended to improve mutual legal assistance activities relating to criminal issues between the two countries’ relevant agencies.

The Spanish minister said the treaty is an important legal framework and basis for the two sides to co-operate more effectively in preventing and fighting crime, especially in regards to trans-national crime.

It also documents both sides’ international commitments to combating crimes as well as their responsibilities in law enforcement, delivering justice and ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of their States, organisations and citizens, he noted.

For his part, Prosecutor General Binh said the treaty will help perfect the bilateral legal framework, thus creating optimum conditions for their agencies to settle foreign-related criminal cases, especially trans-national crimes amidst the context of globalisation and international integration.

He described the deal as a testimony to the sound friendship between the two countries in all fields, adding that it also contributes to their strategic partnership towards the future, which was established in 2009.

Vietnam and Spain will continue to step up cooperation in law enforcement, particularly mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and personnel capacity enhancement, the official added.

In 2014, the nations signed the treaties on extradition and transfer of sentenced persons.