Lebanon and Algeria signed two judicial agreements yesterday at the Grand Serail: the first is an agreement on judicial cooperation between the two countries in the criminal field, and the second is an agreement on the pursuit of convicted individuals and the extradition of detainees between Lebanon and Algeria. The Algerian Minister of Justice and current President of the Arab Justice Ministers Council, Abderrachid Tabboui, signed the agreements on behalf of Algeria, while Lebanese Minister of Justice, Judge Henry Khoury, signed on behalf of Lebanon. The signing ceremony was attended by Algerian Minister of Justice advisor Bouderah Bouaziz, Algeria's ambassador to Lebanon Abdul Karim Rakibi, and embassy advisor Kamal Arous. From the Lebanese side, attendees included the President of the Judicial Inspection Authority, Judge Burkan Saad, General Director of the Ministry of Justice, Judge Muhammad Al-Masri, Secretary General of the Cabinet, Judge Mahmoud Mkayyia, and the presidents of the Bar Associations in Beirut and Tripoli, Nader Ksebar and Mary Trez Al-Qawwal, respectively.
After signing the agreements and exchanging copies, Minister of Justice Henry Khoury delivered a speech welcoming his Algerian counterpart, noting that the signing of the agreements was the result of joint efforts between Lebanon and Algeria, which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Khoury considered that this signing marks a fruitful beginning that enhances the existing relations between the two countries, wishing that bilateral agreements develop for the benefit of both. He highlighted the role of the Algerian Minister of Justice, who worked diligently to support the Fund for the Solidarity of Judges in Lebanon, and expressed gratitude for this endeavor. Khoury mentioned discussions about the implementation of this support, stating that he was promised assistance after presenting a memorandum explaining certain matters to the Arab Justice Ministers Council, adding that the judiciary and judges in Lebanon rely heavily on this support amid the current challenges faced in Lebanon, hoping for more agreements for the benefit of both nations.
The Algerian Minister also spoke, stating: "We have made significant strides when we decided in the Arab Justice Ministers Council to support the Fund for the Solidarity of Judges in Lebanon, an initiative from our Arab brothers towards Lebanese judges, particularly in these difficult circumstances." He added: "I am pleased to meet on this special occasion my Lebanese counterpart and to sign two judicial agreements of importance to both countries. I take this opportunity to emphasize the historical friendship between the two nations and the fraternal relations based on respect, solidarity, and aligned positions at regional and international levels." He concluded: "These agreements represent the best mechanism to combat evasion of criminal accountability, and through signing them, we have established a comprehensive framework that protects both our countries from criminal threats."
