Taiwan and Japan concluded a memorandum of understanding on judiciary and legal affairs cooperation March 16 in Tokyo, spotlighting the joint commitment to further cementing the two countries’ partnership, according to the Ministry of Justice.
The accord was signed by Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Chair Su Jia-chyuan and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chair Mitsuo Ohashi. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Japan Representative Frank Hsieh was also in attendance, the MOJ said.
Under the pact, relevant ministries and agencies on both sides will organize reciprocal research visits, hold meetings and seminars, offer professional legal advice and provide open access to pertinent databases and publications to expand bilateral exchanges, the ministry added.
According to the MOJ, Su and Ohashi stated during the signing that the MOU was based on the two sides’ shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. Taiwan and Japan will continue to promote closer collaboration, strengthening their firm friendship with mutual trust, they added.
MOJ Minister Tsai Ching-hsiang initiated MOU talks in 2020, and the agreement was finalized thanks to the efforts of his ministry along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwan’s representative office in Japan. The MOJ also recognized the contributions of the TJRA and JTEA as well as Japan’s Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs.
The accord will help protect the rights and interests of the peoples of Taiwan and Japan while advancing fairness and justice and deepening bilateral ties, the ministry added. (YCH-E)
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