BAKC’s Ly Chantola and Marseille Bâtonnier Jean-Raphael Fernandez at the signing ceremony in Phnom Penh on Tuesday. BAC
The Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia (BAKC) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Bar Association of Marseille, France, to promote the rule of law, respect for human rights and the right to a legal defence.
According to a joint press release of April 19, the BAKC Ly Chantola, accompanied by several members of the Council of the Order and senior officials, warmly welcomed the visit of the Marseille delegation, led by its President Jean-Raphaël Fernandez, in the BAKC premises in Phnom Penh.
During the visit, Chantola personally led the delegation on a tour of the BAKC facilities, including the Lawyers Training Center, Law Library and Clinic, Advocacy Room, and Bar Council Meeting Room.
“During this significant visit, the presidents of the two bars discussed several important issues in a spirit of friendship, in particular the signing of a cooperation agreement. The visit aims to establish stronger cooperation,” the statement added.
He added that the two bars will endeavor to promote better relations between their members and encourage regular meetings and exchanges of experience and knowledge between their respective members.
They will organize training seminars and meetings on professional issues of common interest, with a view to improving existing legal practices and for newly admitted lawyers. They will also promote the possibility for young lawyers or trainees to familiarize themselves with the legal practices of their respective bars, through internships.
BAKC spokesperson An Sovathana told the Post on April 20 that in France the justice system is run the same as in the Kingdom. Because the administrative system in France has a union of federal bars, each major city has its own bar. Marseille has the third largest in the country, behind Paris and Lyon.
“The Marseille Bar Association is the third largest and has nearly 2,600 members. The signing of this agreement will bring the two parties closer through mutual trainings and workshops,” he said.
He added that the cooperation was the result of one of Chantola’s eight-point policies, which focused on strengthening relations and cooperation with national and international institutions.
