China's Hong Kong special administrative region (HKSAR) and Finland signed an agreement on mutual legal assistance Thursday, providing for cooperation between them in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung said international cooperation in judicial assistance was very important.

"Hong Kong has been sparing no effort in strengthening its international law enforcement capabilities by expanding its network of bilateral arrangements with foreign jurisdictions concerning mutual legal assistance in criminal matters," he said.

The agreement allows for reciprocal assistance in taking evidence, providing documents and information, transferring exhibits, identifying and locating persons, effecting temporary transfer of persons in custody and facilitating the voluntary appearance of persons to provide necessary help.

Requests for search and seizure can also be legally executed under the new pact.

Help can be available in identifying, tracing, restraining, seizing, forfeiting and confiscating the proceeds of crime, and the serving of documents.

The agreement, which comes into force 30 days after the two parties have notified each other in writing that their respective requirements have been complied with, is the 22nd of its kind the Hong Kong SAR signed with other regions and countries.
 
(Xinhua News Agency October 5, 2007)