Ministries of Justice of SL, Vietnam signs MoU

The relationship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam is based on the principles of non-alignment. Both countries have established a full diplomatic relationship which is at a very high level. Top level delegations from both countries have been visiting each other.

“Already, seven ministers have visited Vietnam, including two business delegations from Sri Lanka,” Minister of Justice and SLMC leader Member of Parliament Rauff Hakeem said, following the signing of the MoU, between the Ministry of Justice of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam.  

Hakeem and his Vietnamese counterpart Ha Hung Cuong signed the document on behalf of their respective Governments.

Sri Lankan Justice Minister further stated while on an on official visit to Vietnam, that Sri Lanka has seen rapid development in several sectors after the end of the three-decade long conflict, and Vietnam has always supported Sri Lanka at international forums.

Vietnamese and Sri Lankan ministers explained in detail the steps taken by both government, in the fields of socio-economic development, poverty alleviation programs and new initiatives taken in the fields of legal and justice.

Cuong explained steps taken by his Government with regard to integration within the region and beyond. “Vietnam is in the process of amending the constitution in keeping with global trends and to broadbase people participation in governance and socio-economic development. National election council will be set up by the end of 2013,” he said.

Both ministers discussed ways and means to implement provisions contained in the MoU. Official focal points will be nominated from both countries for this purpose and to develop an action plan.

Hakeem also invited to consider the inclusion Colombo as an arbitration centre once the centre is set up at the end of this year. According to Vietnamese Law, only domestic parties are allowed to opt for arbitration.

When international parties are involved any dispute is resolved through courts. However, one moves to allow arbitration in this situation. If the Colombo arbitration centre is run efficiently Vietnam might consider choosing Colombo.

Minister Hakeem also visited the Truc Lam Tay Thien monestary in the Vinh Phuc Province in Vietnam. He met the Chief Bhikku Thich Kein Nguyet where he was explained the history of Buddhism in Vietnam. It was King Asoka that sent a delegation to Vietnam with the message of Buddhism at the same time his son Arahath Mahinda was sent to Sri Lanka.

Hakeem also had a meeting with deputy permanent secretary and the head of national assembly delegation Vinh Phuc Province. Minister Hakeem is scheduled to pay tribute to president Ho Chi Minh at is mausoleum. The Vietnamese Lawyers Union has made arrangements to receive the Sri Lankan Minister of Justice.  

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Justice Kumar Ekarathne and Consultant (Legal) M.H.M. Salman also accompanied the Minister on his visit.