ASEAN Legal and Judicial Cooperation Workshop Opens in Phnom Penh

June 13, 2012

U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN, David L. Carden; H.E. Ang Vong Vathana, Cambodian Minister of Justice; and H.E. Bagas Hapsoro, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs opened the ASEAN legal and judicial cooperation workshop on June 12 in Phnom Penh.  The two-day workshop entitled Strengthening Members’ Participation in Legal Information Networks brought together over 70 senior-level judges and representatives of justice ministries from all ten ASEAN member states for an unprecedented exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as in-depth discussion on building and strengthening legal and judicial connections.  The 14th ASEAN Senior Law Officials' Meeting (ASLOM) in Phnom Penh last year recognized the need to strengthen the networks among high-level legal professionals throughout ASEAN, especially the ASLOM and ASEAN judicial bodies.

ASEAN’s deepening integration is presenting new challenges in cross-border legal issues.  High-level legal and judicial actors in the region will meet in Phnom Penh to discuss implications of the ASEAN Charter and integration, issues in administration of justice in ASEAN, enforcement of judgments and international arbitration, and implementation of international treaties into national law.