Vietnam, Singapore sign treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters

The treaty was signed by Singapore's Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Murali Pillai SC and Vietnam’s Prosecutor-General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy Nguyen Huy Tien.

It sets out a framework for both countries to make requests for and provide legal assistance in criminal matters to each other, such as in locating or identifying persons, taking of evidence, and executing search and seizures.

Murali said "Singapore and Vietnam enjoy close and longstanding relations, diplomatically, as well as in the fields of economic, technical and legal cooperation. Singapore and Vietnam are also parties to the ASEAN Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, and we have had close cooperation under that treaty for many years. The treaty builds on this strong foundation and paves the way for even more effective cooperation in the prevention and suppression of crime," according to a press release by the Singaporean Ministry of Law.

Nguyen said "the signing of the bilateral agreement is a testament to the comprehensive cooperation results between Vietnam and Singapore, thereby contributing to promoting the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership to become increasingly deeper and more substantial".

Prior to the ceremony, the officials exchanged views on several topics and looked forward to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

The same day, Tien met with Singapore's Attorney General Lucien Wong, during which they discussed further collaboration and experience-sharing in addressing cross-border financial crimes and the implementation of the treaty.