Legal professionals from BRI countries visit Nanjing Maritime Court

Judicial and legal professionals from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative visit the Nanjing Maritime Court. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A delegation of judicial and legal professionals from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative has visited the Nanjing Maritime Court.

The delegation, comprising 27 judges and judicial officers from eight countries and regions including Ethiopia, The Gambia, Papua New Guinea, and the African Union Commission, was in China to participate in a seminar for judicial and legal professionals from BRI partner countries. The event was hosted by the National Judges College.

During their visit, they attended a symposium presided over by Li Yalin, executive vice-president of the Nanjing Maritime Court, and engaged in exchanges with representatives of the judges of the court.

Judicial and legal professionals from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative attend a symposium at the Nanjing Maritime Court. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Briefing the delegation about the development landscape of the court, Li highlighted the vital role of maritime justice in safeguarding international maritime trade and fostering oceanic cooperation.

He emphasized the court's commitment to protecting national maritime rights and interests, supporting marine economic development, preserving the marine environment, and participating in global ocean governance, saying it aims to build maritime justice that is more credible, predictable and efficient.

Li expressed hope for enhanced understanding, mutual trust, and shared experiences through the event to strengthen practical collaboration in maritime dispute resolution, legal research, and judicial talent development. The goal is to contribute more judicial wisdom and strength to the high-quality development of the BRI and the promotion of building a maritime community with a shared future, Li said.

Liu Yan, deputy chief judge of the Maritime Tribunal, presented the court's foreign-related adjudication work, while Xu Yi, deputy chief judge of the Maritime Tribunal, shared notable cases for foreign-related adjudication.

The delegation members participated in various discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of China's maritime legal practices in a productive and friendly atmosphere.