Doha: The Supreme Judiciary Council of the State of Qatar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Hague Academy of International Law in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, strengthening bilateral relations particularly in the judicial and legal fields.
According to Qatar News Agency, this MoU underscores the mutual desire of both institutions to enhance technical cooperation and enrich judicial practices. It aims to adopt best practices to improve the efficiency of the judicial system and emphasizes international institutional cooperation to build judicial capacities. The agreement outlines a framework for technical cooperation with the Academy, focusing on capacity-building programs in areas such as innovative judicial performance, law and criminal justice, and raising awareness of international obligations. Regular consultations will also identify additional areas of mutual interest.
The MoU includes an executive protocol to implement four training programs during 2025 and 2026, focusing on international treaties, human rights conventions, child protection, and combating domestic violence. These programs aim to impact judicial decision-making positively.
The signing was conducted by HE Acting Secretary-General of the Council Judge Nasser Al Abdulghani, with HE President of the Court of Appeal Judge Sultan Mutar Al Dosari present. Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secretary-General of The Hague Academy, represented the Academy. The ceremony was attended by HE the Ambassador of Qatar to the Netherlands Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani and HE the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Qatar Ferdinand Lahnstein.
HE Judge Nasser Al Abdulghani highlighted the MoU as a pivotal step in international judicial knowledge exchange, supporting ongoing efforts to train judicial personnel to global standards. He expressed pride in collaborating with The Hague Academy, a key international legal institution.
HE Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani conveyed satisfaction with the MoU, noting it as a significant advancement in Qatar-Netherlands cooperation. He emphasized Qatar's commitment to strengthening ties with leading legal institutions to promote justice and the rule of law.
The Ambassador affirmed Qatar's dedication to developing its legal system in line with global standards. He noted The Hague Academy's prestigious reputation and its role in equipping Qatari cadres with specialized legal skills.
The MoU is part of the Supreme Judiciary Council's strategy to build high-quality partnerships with leading international law institutions. The Hague Academy, established in 1923, plays a crucial role in international law research and education. The agreement will develop programs in international law, arbitration, human rights, and comparative legal studies, enhancing legal and judicial development.
HE Ferdinand Lahnstein expressed honor in attending the signing ceremony. He highlighted the MoU as a milestone in strengthening cooperation between the Netherlands and Qatar, focusing on building judicial capacity and managing justice systems effectively. He looks forward to expanding cooperation frameworks in the coming years.
This initiative reflects Qatar's vision of promoting good governance and upholding the rule of law, aligning with its legal diplomacy goals to deepen cooperation with the Netherlands and expand knowledge exchange in international law.