Vietnam proactively promotes legal and judicial cooperation in ASEAN

At the 13th ASEAN Justice Ministers' Meeting (ALAWMM 13) held on November 14 in Manila (Philippines), Vietnam continued to affirm its role as a proactive, active and responsible member in promoting regional legal and judicial cooperation.

13th ASEAN Justice Ministers' Meeting in Manila (Philippines).

Speaking at the Plenary Session of the Conference, Vietnamese Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh emphasized that ASEAN is facing a historic turning point: completing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and entering the phase of implementing a new roadmap towards 2045.

In the context of many traditional and non-traditional security challenges, strengthening legal and judicial cooperation is of key importance to maintaining ASEAN's central role, enhancing solidarity and institutional effectiveness within the bloc, ensuring security, order and sustainable development in the region.

Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh proposed three priority orientations to promote intra-bloc legal cooperation. The first is to strengthen solidarity and improve the effectiveness of ASEAN institutions. Vietnam called on countries to promote the connection of legal systems and strengthen the implementation of ASEAN treaties and legal documents. In particular, areas such as the prevention of transnational crimes, cybercrime and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means continued to be emphasized.

Second, building a legal foundation for socio -economic development. Countries need to promote judicial assistance, develop dispute resolution mechanisms in civil and commercial matters, and enhance the sharing of legal knowledge. This helps create a stable and transparent environment, supporting intra-bloc economic exchanges.

Third, make law and justice the “institutional support” for innovation. Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh suggested that ASEAN proactively build a legal framework for the digital economy, green economy, and circular economy; at the same time, promote the application of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial activities and law-making.

Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh speaks at ALAWMM 13.

In addition, the Minister also informed about the plan to host the ASEAN Law Forum 2026 in Vietnam, with the theme "Application of artificial intelligence in law-making and enforcement in the digital age". This is a content that is expected to create a new impetus for digital transformation in the regional legal system.

The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN, a time to clearly demonstrate Vietnam's strong commitment to the regional community. Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh affirmed that Vietnam will continue to closely coordinate with member countries, actively contribute to the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and contribute to building a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous region.

These efforts are also linked to Vietnam's key tasks of innovating law-making and enforcement, promoting digital transformation, improving the quality of human resources and enhancing international cooperation.

Through the statements, initiatives and commitments at the 13th ASEAN Justice Ministers’ Meeting, Vietnam showed its determination to accompany ASEAN countries in strengthening legal and judicial cooperation. This is an important pillar to build a resilient, unified and effective ASEAN Community in the face of new regional and global challenges.

Within the framework of ALAWMM 13, representatives of ASEAN countries officially signed the ASEAN Agreement on Extradition among 11 member countries. After more than 4 years of negotiations (from 2021 to present, through 14 meetings), the Agreement was completed and signed, becoming a highlight in the 40-year journey of ASEAN legal and judicial cooperation, and marking an important step forward in strengthening intra-bloc legal cooperation.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/viet-nam-chu-dong-thuc-day-hop-tac-phap-luat-va-tu-phap-trong-asean-20251114154519994.htm