The Macau SAR signed its first document on legal assistance and cooperation with the National Courts today (15 August) at the Government Headquarters.

Secretary for Administration and Justice, Florinda Chan and the Vice Presidents of the Supreme People's Court, Liu Jiachen represented the two parties in signing the document.

Florinda Chan said that the presence of Mr. Liu at the signing of the document had demonstrated the supports from the Central Authorities to the SAR, adding that the two parties would continue to reinforce cooperation in various areas.

Liu Jiachen said that the document would definitely benefit both the mainland and the Macau SAR.

The document, which will be effected on 15 September, set a framework on legal assistance and cooperation concerning civil and commercial cases.

The Legal Assistant group of the Macau SAR was established in June 2000. Secretary for Administrative and Justice visited Beijing in July the same year, discussing issues concerning cooperation with the mainland judicial departments. After three round of discussions, both sides have reached consensus to sign a document on legal assistance and cooperation.