Sept 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka and Russia have decided to cooperate on curbing crime and accordingly, will enter into a bilateral agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

The two countries in July 2011 entered into a bilateral treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters to combat serious international crimes including terrorism and narcotic trafficking.

The Cabinet of ministers has given Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem the approval to enter into a bilateral agreement with the Russian Federation

The proposal aims to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement of both parties relating to the investigation, prosecution and prevention of crime and confiscation of criminal proceeds.

The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act No.25 of 2002 provides for the provision of assistance by Sri Lanka to foreign countries relating to criminal matters and for obtaining of similar assistance from such countries by Sri Lanka.