ASEM Prosecutors-General Conference Convenes in Shenzhen

The First ASEM Prosecutors-General Conference was convened 9 to 12 December 2005 in Shenzhen, China. Around 800 delegates including prosecutors-general, justice ministers and representatives from 38 ASEM countries, and international organizations attended the conference.

Under the theme of "combating cooperatively transnational organized crimes, establishing harmonious, stable and prosperous society", delegates had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on international cooperation on fighting corruption, transnational organized crimes, terrorism and drug trafficking, as well as personnel training, exchange of information and technological cooperation. A Joint Declaration of the ASEM Prosecutors-General Conference was adopted.

H. E. Mr. Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attended the opening ceremony and addressed the Conference. He pointed out that terrorism, corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking and other transnational organized crimes had become common menace to the international community. Despite different historical background, social systems, economic development levels, cultural traditions and judicial systems among Asian and European countries, peoples of the two continents share the aspiration to live a tranquil and happy life, and build a harmonious and prosperous society. It serves the common interests of all countries and peoples in Asia and Europe to strengthen international cooperation and work together to fight transnational organized crimes. It is also the unshirkable responsibility of all prosecutors of Asian and European countries.

The ASEM Prosecutors-General Conference, initiated by China and co-sponsored by Indonesia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands is an important high-level conference in judicial cooperation in the framework of ASEM. The 2nd ASEM Prosecutors-General Conference will be held in Indonesia in 2006.