Singapore and South Korea Formalize Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
On July 24, 2024, Singapore and South Korea solidified their collaboration in criminal justice with the signing of the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The treaty was formalized by Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, Mr K Shanmugam SC, and the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Justice, Mr Park Sung Jae, during a ceremony in Singapore. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Singapore, Mr Hong Jin-wook, witnessed the signing.
The Treaty establishes a framework for both nations to exchange requests for legal assistance in criminal matters, such as locating or identifying persons or items, taking evidence, and executing searches and seizures, thereby enhancing cooperation in crime prevention and suppression.
Minister Shanmugam highlighted the treaty’s significance, stating, “Singapore and the Republic of Korea enjoy close and longstanding relations, and the signing of the Treaty builds on this strong foundation. The Treaty plays an important role in our joint efforts to combat crime as it sets out a framework and standards for a range of mutual legal assistance between Singapore and the Republic of Korea. This Treaty will cement the already strong partnership between the two countries.”
Prior to the ceremony, Ministers Shanmugam and Park discussed other potential areas for cooperation and reaffirmed the treaty’s role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries, looking forward to greater bilateral cooperation.
