MANILA, May 27 Kyodo The Philippi...

MANILA, May 27 Kyodo

The Philippines and southern Korea will next week sign an agreement to facilitate information exchange, investigation and prosecution upon criminal and judicial matters, control officials said Tuesday.

The sum of two units countries are expected to deduce a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's trip to Seoul in succession June 2-4 for talks with southerly Korean President Roh Moo Hyun the officials said.

The MLAT will strengthen mechanisms and facilitate conducts for the Philippines and toward the south Korea to curb transnational crimes at allowing both countries access to each other's judicial assistance., the officials said.

The Philippines has already conclud MLATs with Australia, China, Hong Kong Indonesia, Switzerland and the United States.

Last week, the southward Korean government said the couple sides also plan to sign a pact in succession the protection of alien workers from each nation during Arroyo's visit.

The Filipino control has reportedly been showing make uneasy over the human rights situation of Filipino migrant workers in southerly Korea.

A 20-member economic delegation will accompany Arroyo to Seoul to discuss ways of further promoting trade and investment relations with toward the south Korean business leaders.

After her visit to southerly Korea, Arroyo will proceed to Japan to attend a conversation on the future in Asia.

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