Saudi Arabia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Pakistan to boost cooperation in fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. This was announced during a cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also discussed the country’s diplomatic relations and ongoing negotiations with Japan. Moreover, Saudi Arabia will host Interpol’s regional headquarters, strengthening regional security efforts.
Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of State Security has authorized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Saudi Directorate of Financial Investigation and Pakistan’s Financial Monitoring Unit. This agreement aims to deepen collaboration on investigations related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other pertinent crimes. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in Riyadh.
During the cabinet meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman informed attendees of his recent discussions with various global leaders, including Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as well as a phone conversation with European Council President António Costa. The cabinet also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts to foster global peace and stability, expressing approval regarding ongoing negotiations with Japan.
A significant point of discussion was the announcement that Saudi Arabia will serve as the host for the regional headquarters of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for the Middle East and North Africa. This move is expected to bolster initiatives aimed at combating terrorism and other forms of crime across the region.
The cabinet welcomed the conclusion of a six-party Arab ministerial meeting regarding Palestine, which reiterated the importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire and enhancing humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. Additional agreements approved in the meeting included a security cooperation pact with Qatar and visa-free travel agreements for diplomatic passport holders from Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.
In a key organizational change, the authority to grant licenses in the financial and accounting sectors has been transferred from the Ministry of Commerce to the Saudi Authority for Auditors and Accountants. The session culminated in a review of annual reports from several government entities, such as the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the Hail Development Authority, and the Food and Drug Authority.
The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on financial investigation signifies a growing commitment among nations to combat financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing. The agreement reflects a strategic approach to enhance regional security. Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic activities also illustrate its role in promoting stability within the Middle Eastern political landscape, especially concerning global issues like humanitarian crises and counter-terrorism efforts.
The recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to improve cooperation in tackling financial crimes marks a significant step in regional security collaboration. The discussions led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to contributing to global peace and stability through various diplomatic engagements. The establishment of Interpol’s regional headquarters in the kingdom further emphasizes its proactive stance against terrorism and organized crime.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
