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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Switzerland signed an agreement today (Monday) in Hong Kong concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

The agreement was signed by the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, on behalf of the HKSAR Government and Dr Rolf Bodenmuller, Consul General of Switzerland, on behalf of the Swiss Federal Council.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mrs Ip said, "The signing of the agreement today signifies the joint commitment of both Switzerland and the HKSAR to fighting international crime and continued close co-operation in matters of criminal justice and international law enforcement. More importantly, it also demonstrates the continuity of the rule of law in the HKSAR."

The Agreement concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLA Agreement) with the Swiss Federal Council is the eighth of its kind that Hong Kong has signed on international co-operation against crime.

The MLA Agreement contains all the essential features and safeguards for international agreements of this type. The major kinds of assistance covered by the Agreement are:

- identifying and locating suspects and witnesses;

- serving document;

- obtaining evidence;

- executing requests for search and seizures;

- providing documentary evidence relevant to criminal matters;

- transferring persons between the jurisdictions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Switzerland to give evidence or assist investigation; and

- tracing, restraining and confiscating property used in or derived from crime.

The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance, which provides the necessary legislative backing for the implementation of the agreement, is already in place. The Agreement concerning Mutual Legal Assistance will enter into force 30 days after both sides have notified each other in writing that their respective requirements for the entry into force have been compiled with.

The signing of the Agreement today further fosters the continued close relationship between Switzerland and Hong Kong. This is the third agreement signed between the two parties. An agreement on air-traffic was first signed in 1988, followed by an agreement on protection of investments signed in 1994, both of which continue to apply to HKSAR.

End/Monday, March 15, 1999

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