Vietnam proposes three priority orientations for ASEAN legal and judicial cooperation

(Chinhphu.vn) - In the context of complex changes in the world and the region, legal and judicial cooperation plays a very important role, serving as the foundation for realizing the goals of the ASEAN pillars. To realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Vietnam proposes three priority orientations for legal and judicial cooperation in the coming time.

The 13th ASEAN Justice Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines. Photo: Ministry of Justice.

Speaking at the Plenary Session of the 13th ASEAN Justice Ministers' Meeting (ALAWMM 13) held on November 14th in Manila, Philippines, Vietnam's Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh emphasized that 2025 is a significant milestone for ASEAN, marking the completion of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the beginning of a new phase in implementing the roadmap for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

In the context of complex and volatile global and regional conditions, maintaining and enhancing ASEAN's central role and building a "resilient, dynamic, innovative, and people-centered" ASEAN Community is a common goal for all member states.

In this process, legal and judicial cooperation plays a crucial role, serving as the foundation for achieving the objectives of the ASEAN Political -Security Community pillar, contributing to ensuring security, order, and sustainable development in the region.

To realize the Vision 2045, Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh proposed three priority directions for legal and judicial cooperation in the coming period.

Firstly , it is necessary to strengthen the role of legal and judicial cooperation in consolidating the unity and enhancing the institutional effectiveness of ASEAN. Accordingly, further research and strengthening of the linkages between legal systems are needed; promoting the effective implementation of ASEAN treaties and legal instruments; and enhancing coordination in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, especially in combating transnational and cybercrime.

"At the end of October, Vietnam had the honor of hosting the signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention - the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, contributing to creating a solid legal foundation for the international community to respond to cross-border security challenges," said Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh.

Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh speaks at the conference. Photo: Ministry of Justice.

Member states also need to continue upholding the principle of resolving disputes by peaceful means, respecting diplomatic and legal processes, adhering to the fundamental principles of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to maintaining peace, stability and promoting cooperation in the region.

Secondly , it is necessary to build a solid legal foundation to promote intra-bloc linkages and support socio-economic development. Member states need to continue to strengthen cooperation in mutual legal assistance, promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in civil and commercial matters, in order to create opportunities to promote intra-bloc economic exchange; at the same time, enhance the sharing of legal knowledge, build a knowledge management system and train and improve the capacity of legal and judicial personnel.

Thirdly , making law and the judiciary the "institutional support" for innovation. Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh proposed that ASEAN proactively build a legal framework for the digital economy, green economy, and circular economy; and at the same time promote the application of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial activities and lawmaking.

Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh also announced plans to host the ASEAN Law Forum 2026 in Vietnam, with the theme "Application of Artificial Intelligence in Lawmaking and Enforcement in the Digital Age". This is expected to create new momentum for digital transformation in the region's legal system.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN (1995–2025), Minister Nguyen Hai Ninh affirmed that Vietnam will continue to be an active and responsible member, closely coordinating with member states to strengthen legal and judicial cooperation, effectively implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, towards a region of peace, stability, cooperation and prosperous development.

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

The agreement, which establishes a unified legal framework for the extradition of criminals among ASEAN countries, is clear evidence of the region's strong commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of combating transnational crime, promoting the rule of law and justice, and thereby maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Dieu Anh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/viet-nam-dua-ra-3-dinh-huong-uu-tien-cho-hop-tac-phap-luat-va-tu-phap-asean-10225111418323776.htm