The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuracy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (Viet Nam), Mr Tran Hai Quan, signed a bilateral agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) today (April 14) on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Viet Nam respectively.

     Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Tang said that international co-operation in judicial assistance is very important in weaving concerted efforts among jurisdictions for bringing criminals to justice.

     "Hong Kong has been sparing no effort in strengthening its international law enforcement capabilities by expanding its network of bilateral arrangements with foreign jurisdictions concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The signing of the agreement on MLA today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Viet Nam," Mr Tang added.

     Under the Basic Law, the Government of the HKSAR may, with the authorisation of the Central People's Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance.

     The MLA agreement between the HKSAR and Viet Nam contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. Assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information, confiscating proceeds of crime, and more.

     A list of the major bilateral international agreements (including MLA agreements) of the HKSAR, which have come into force, can be found at www.doj.gov.hk/en/external/international_agreements.html.

Ends/Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:10

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