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Indonesia, Switzerland seek legal assistance agreement

Indonesia and Switzerland will begin negotiations on a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreement in April, with the goal of signing it later this year, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi after meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter in Jakarta on March 16.
Indonesia and Switzerland will begin negotiations on a Mutual LegalAssistance (MLA) agreement in April, with the goal of signing it laterthis year, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi aftermeeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter in Jakarta onMarch 16.

According to Foreign MinisterMarsudi, the MLA will facilitate a stronger legal framework enabling thefreezing of Indonesian assets acquired through illegal means andinvestments stored in Switzerland.

With theagreement, the two nations will demonstrate their firm commitment tofighting international cross-border crimes, she noted.

On his part, Didier Burkhalter said the agreement will allow the twocountries to support each other in law enforcement.

Switzerland has named Indonesia as one of seven priority countriesfor economic development cooperation. Switzerland is supportingIndonesia’s effort to undertake public sector, economic andenvironmental reforms.

Indonesia is consideredthe fourth most important destination for direct Swiss investments inAsia, after Japan, Singapore and China.

The two sides also cooperate in education, tourism, research & innovation, and human right issues.-VNA
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