The Government delegation visits the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines.
Macao and the Philippines have set up a communication mechanism in order to advance cooperation regarding matters of criminal apprehension and criminal justice.
The proposed cooperation would cover: surrender of fugitive offenders; transfer of sentenced persons; and mutual judicial cooperation on criminal matters.
Progress on discussion of the matters was made during a visit to the Republic of the Philippines, from 18 to 21 March, by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan. During her visit, Ms Chan held meetings with the Undersecretary of the Department of Justice of the Philippines, Mr Antonio T. Kho, Jr, to discuss the issues.
Following the meetings, the two sides signed a memorandum of meeting, and agreed on the need to strengthen efforts to combat criminal and illegal acts.
The Macao delegation extended an invitation to the Philippine side to visit Macao later this year in order to discuss further details of such proposed cooperation.
During the meetings, Ms Chan stressed the value of pushing forward with such mutual cooperation on criminal and judicial matters, as Macao and the Philippines had extensive ties in a number of areas.
Ms Chan said that the Central Government attached great importance to, and strong support for, the Macao officials’ visit. The Macao Government had the Central Government’s authorisation to initiate discussion on: the transfer of sentenced persons; on mutual judicial cooperation in criminal matters; and on surrender of fugitive offenders.
While in the Philippines, the Government delegation also paid a visit to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Ms Chan expressed her gratitude to the Embassy for its assistance.
Members of the Government delegation to the Philippines included: the Director of the Legal Affairs Bureau, Mr Liu Dexue; Advisor to the Office of the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Chen Licheng; Advisor to the Office of the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Mr Zhu Lin; Advisor to the Office of the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tong Sang; and Advisor to the Office of the Prosecutor General, Mr Vu Ka Vai.
The Head of the Division of General Affairs of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Zhang Jian, was also invited to join the delegation as a special consultant.
