On Monday May 13, 2024, H.E. Jessica C. Lee, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Hon. Uduch Sengebau Senior, Vice President and Minister of Justice, the Republic of Palau exchanged the instruments of Ratification of the Agreement of Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between Taiwan and Palau. With this exchange, the said agreement will enter into force on June 12, 2024, according to its article 22.
This Agreement was signed in Taipei on August 30, 2022, by Taiwan’s Minister of Justice Ching-Hsiang Tsai (蔡清祥) and Palau’s Vice President Uduch Sengebau Senior, acting in her role as Minister of Justice.
While Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan (立法院) ratified it on May 3, 2023, and President Ing-wen Tsai (蔡英文) signed it on August 29, 2023, Palau’s National Congress, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, ratified it on May 2, 2024 and President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed it on May 9, 2024.
In today’s interconnected world, criminal activities go beyond borders. International cooperation in law enforcement has become imperative, especially when tackling terrorism, cybercrime, drug and human trafficking and organized crime. The formalization of this agreement not only represents an important step forward in the ongoing efforts of both Taiwan and Palau to combat transnational crime and uphold the rule of law, but also demonstrates the enduring friendship between both countries.
