The meeting, which runs through May 13, constitutes a major regional event aimed at coordinating international and regional efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and the proliferation of weapons, as well as protecting the region’s economic and financial systems from risks linked to these crimes, according to a joint statement issued by the Head of Government’s Department and the National Financial Intelligence Authority (ANRF).
The meeting opened with remarks by Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah and Chairman of the Group and Secretary-General of the United Arab Emirates’ National Committee for Combating Money Laundering, Hamid Saif Al Zaabi.
On this occasion, they stressed the importance of coordinating regional efforts to combat financial crimes and illicit financing, while underscoring the need for the effective implementation of FATF standards based on the risk-based approach, the statement noted.
In this context, Fettah reaffirmed the Kingdom of Morocco’s firm commitment to strengthening its national framework for combating money laundering and terrorism financing, in line with international standards, in order to protect the national financial system against emerging risks.
For his part, Al Zaabi explained that the UAE presidency of the Group for 2026 aims to strengthen MENAFATF’s position internationally and intensify coordination with global partners.
Both officials called on member states to enhance the exchange of expertise and develop mechanisms to combat emerging financial crimes, in order to ensure the stability and sustainability of the region’s financial system, the statement added.
