BEIJING -- The top legislature on Thursday ratified a treaty with Argentina on mutual judicial assistance in criminal affairs.

During its bimonthly session, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) approved the pact, which was submitted by the State Council, or the cabinet.

The treaty was signed in Buenos Aires by the foreign ministers of the two countries on June 25, 2012.

The 24-article treaty covers issues such as the scope of application and restrictions of such assistance, rules on lodging requests for judicial assistance, and dispute resolution.

Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said in a report to the NPC Standing Committee that the treaty will help promote cooperation between the two countries in judicial fields as well as bilateral ties.