Chilean National Prosecutor Ángel Valencia met with Chinese judicial authorities in Shanghai this week to strengthen international cooperation against organized crime.
Valencia attended the executive committee meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), a gathering of approximately 30 officials from various nations. The summit focused on evaluating the organization's performance and enhancing global judicial cooperation.
During his visit, Valencia held bilateral meetings with Chinese officials to coordinate efforts against drug trafficking, fraud, and illicit finance. He specifically met with Liu Zhiyuan, Director of International Cooperation for the Chinese Prosecution Service.
Both officials agreed on the necessity of expanding information exchange and establishing direct contact networks between specialized investigative teams.
Strengthening Judicial Ties
Valencia also held discussions with China’s Prosecutor General, Ying Yong, alongside other high-ranking members of the Chinese prosecution system. These talks addressed the ongoing negotiation between the foreign ministries of Chile and China regarding a bilateral agreement on criminal assistance.
Chilean authorities are looking to reinforce joint efforts to address the rise in transpacific crime. Valencia noted that participating in these international forums allows the Chilean Prosecution Service to adopt better procedures and training methods.
“This allows the Prosecution Service of Chile to expand its horizon with prosecutors, procurators, or other similar entities from which we can collect good practices, better procedures, and better training for our daily work,” Valencia said.
He emphasized that these connections serve two primary goals: improving public service quality and bolstering collective international efforts to fight organized crime.
Valencia also highlighted the strategic importance of the relationship with China, Chile’s primary economic partner. He called for increased cooperation to protect Pacific-facing trade routes and the Chilean financial system.
“It is necessary to protect the prestige of Chilean ports that look toward the Pacific and to protect our financial system,” Valencia said.
He added that China possesses valuable experience in combating criminal finance and smuggling, which could prove vital for Chile’s current fight against organized crime.
