Vietnam, EU strengthen judicial cooperation

Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court of Vietnam Le Minh Tri hosted a reception for EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier in Hanoi on April 18, during which he praised the diplomat for helping enhance the capacity of Vietnam’s judicial institutions.

At the event, Tri thanked the ambassador for his bridging role and acknowledged that the Supreme People’s Court has benefited from the EU Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme in Vietnam (EU JULE), including law research and making initiatives like the Law on Mediation and Dialogue at Court, family and juvenile courts, and the development of a code of conduct for judges.

Briefing the guest on recent achievements and key priorities of Vietnam's court system, Tri said that the Supreme People's Court is implementing organisational restructuring to ensure a streamlined, efficient, and effective judicial apparatus, while executing a digital transformation plan across the court system.

The Chief Justice expressed his confidence that building upon the results of the EU JULE project’s Phase 1 (2018–2024), the EU’s support in the next phase will help address challenges in strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of Vietnam's legal and judicial institutions, developing a rule-of-law socialist State of Vietnam, and improving legal and judicial services for citizens.

He also laid stress on the robust Vietnam – EU relations over the past years, flourishing in the areas of political – diplomatic affairs, defence – security, science – technology, cybersecurity, education – training, climate change response, and legal and judicial matters.

The EU diplomat, for his part, stated that over the past three decades, the EU has actively supported Vietnam's sustainable development, affirming that with their flourishing relationship, Vietnam has become the EU's leading trade partner in ASEAN.

He held that through the EU JULE project, the Supreme People's Court will be able to strengthen its judicial capacity, noting a robust judicial system serves as a powerful instrument for national development while creating positive impacts for European businesses and investors in Vietnam.

The EU Ambassador voiced his expectation for continued effective cooperation in the coming years./.

VNA