Background
On 23 January 2026 in Phnom Penh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Keut Rith signed a treaty between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Belgium on the transfer of sentenced persons. The treaty was signed with Michel Parys, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Cambodia, resident in Bangkok.
Before the signing ceremony, the two sides held a courtesy meeting and discussed the purpose and importance of strengthening and expanding legal cooperation between Cambodia and Belgium.
Scope of Application
The treaty concerns cooperation between Cambodia and Belgium in the transfer of sentenced persons. According to the ministry statement, it provides a legal framework that allows sentenced persons to be transferred between the two countries to serve their sentences in their country of origin.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The principal development announced was the formal signing of the bilateral treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons. The Ministry of Justice described the treaty as an important legal framework for cooperation in the criminal justice field between the two countries.
The ministry stated that the treaty is intended to permit transfers for sentence enforcement in the sentenced person’s home country.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This update concerns a bilateral legal instrument in the field of criminal justice cooperation rather than a business-facing regulatory measure. Its relevance for reference purposes lies in documenting a formal treaty signed by Cambodia’s Ministry of Justice with a foreign government.
Official Source
Ministry of Justice statement published on 23 January 2026 via its official Facebook page.
