The top legislature approved a treaty on judicial cooperation with Portugal on criminal cases in Beijing Friday, which will help the two fight international crime.

 

Under the treaty signed in Portugal's capital Lisbon last December, the two countries should provide each other with broad assistance possible in criminal investigation, prosecution and litigation.

 

Lawmakers have discussed the 22-article treaty at the 25th session of the 10th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) held from December 24 to 29.

 

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said the treaty would further enhance judicial cooperation between the two countries, as well as bilateral cooperation.

 

China has signed mutual legal assistance treaties with 49 countries, and bilateral extradition treaties with more than 20 countries.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 30, 2006)