Mexico City, June 12 (IANS/EFE) The governments of Mexico and China have exchanged documents for an extradition treaty, opening the way for each nation to hand over criminals, officials said.

Mexican Attorney General Marisela Morales and Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Zeng Gang exchanged the ratification documents at a ceremony in Mexico City, the Attorney General's Office said in a statement.

The two countries agreed in the extradition treaty, which was signed July 11, 2008, in Beijing, to extradite people found in their respective territories and wanted for trial or to serve a prison sentence, the AG's office said.

Extraditions will be carried out on the basis of the principles of respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit, the AG's office said.

Morales and Zeng said the treaty bolsters the administration of justice; guaranteeing better results in the investigation and prosecution of crimes, the AG's office said.

--IANS/EFE

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