Fulfilling the “One country, two systems” is the major principle in the arrangements for the surrender of fugitive offenders between Macao and the Mainland, said the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan.

She would discuss the subject again with Mainland authorities in April, when it is expected that a more specific timeline on legal mutual assistance could be set.

Speaking to reporters on 10 February after attending the spring festival reception hosted by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Ms Chan said the basic principles and process of the transfer arrangements were outlined.

Last week, Ms Chan was in Beijing to meet with Mainland officials to exchange views on the issue for the first time: they were yet to go into details.

With regards to such arrangements with Hong Kong, Ms Chan said officials of the two special administrative regions would meet in March.

Details of the arrangements were finalised but she could not give a date of when it would take effect as the Macao Government had to prepare for the legislation process and the Hong Kong Government would have to take it through the appropriate channels.