VNHNO - Leading officials of the supreme people’s courts of Vietnam and Laos noted that cooperation between the two court systems has developed in an increasingly substantive manner, on August 27.
During their talks in Vientiane, Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam, Nguyen Hoa Binh, and his Lao counterpart, Khamphan Sitthidampha, also said that the two sides have regularly exchanged delegations and shared experience in judging activities and judicial reform at the central level.
Meanwhile, many courts in the border provinces have signed memoranda of understanding to create a legal foundation for promoting cooperation in crime fighting. They have also coordinated to carry out joint activities, especially in judicial entrustment, in an effective manner, thus greatly helping with the settlement of criminal, civil and marriage cases.
Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam Nguyen Hoa Binh (R) presents 500 million VND donated by staff of the Vietnamese court sector to help Lao people affected by the recent dam collapse. Photo: VNA
The officials shared the view that both countries are determined in combating crimes, especially organised and transnational crimes. Therefore, to improve this work, Vietnam and Laos should push ahead with realising their Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil and Criminal Matters, along with the two Governments’ agreement on drug prevention and control. They also need to exchange information on the crime situation and the handling of transnational crimes and crimes involving Vietnamese people in Laos and Lao people in Vietnam.
The chief justices also expressed their delight at the mutual support at international and regional forums, affirming that they will continue assisting each other in the future.
At the talks, Khamphan Sitthidampha spoke highly of the two court sectors’ partnership, particularly Vietnam’s support for Laos to set up administrative courts in its court system. He asked the Vietnamese side to continue to give training to and help Lao judges improve their capacity.
He also thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people, including the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam, for continually assisting the Lao people in all circumstances throughout history, including the timely manpower and material aid for victims of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam break in Attapeu province.
Nguyen Hoa Binh said Vietnam is ready to give short-term training and also send experts to share their professional expertise with the Lao judges. He noted that the Vietnamese supreme court has asked the Prime Minister to grant 10 scholarships for Lao university students to study at the Vietnam Court Academy and these scholarships will be granted from 2019.
On the occasion, the official also presented VND500 million (over US$21,500) donated by staff of the Vietnamese court sector to help Lao people affected by the recent dam collapse./.
