Kuwait keen on combating money laundering and terrorism funding
Kuwait denies withdrawing candidacy for GCC Secretary General’s post
CAIRO, Nov 27, (KUNA): Kuwait is eager to work with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries to enhance efforts in the field of countering money laundering and funding terrorism, a Kuwaiti official said on Tuesday.
Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the meeting of the MENA Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) on combating money laundering and financing terrorism, acting head of National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, Ghazi Abdduljalil, said the gathering discussed some reports of member states that were evaluated over the last years in this matter.
Results of the committees which held their meetings on the sidelines of the meeting will be revealed either within the framework of cooperation in combating money laundering and financing terrorism, mutual assessment of states or technical assistance and applications, he said.
Abduljalil, who also is acting chief of the Kuwaiti Financial Intelligence Unit (KWFIU), pointed to the discussion of a plan of action proposed by the task force and several relevant topics.
The MENAFATF, which was established in cooperation with the governments of 14 Arab countries, is a voluntary and an independent entity, he added.
He pointed out that the task force was formed in realization of the risks of money laundering and financing terrorism in these countries to address this phenomenon effectively through cooperation amongst member states.
Kuwait is partaking in the meeting with a delegation from the Foreign Ministry, Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), Social Affairs Ministry, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Central Bank of Kuwait, Public Prosecution and Kuwait General Administration of Customs.
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah denied Tuesday social media reports that Kuwait withdrew candidacy of former Finance Minister Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf for the GCC Secretary General’s post.
“Some of the countries have expressed their approval in principle,” Al-Jarallah told KUNA.
He added that the GCC member countries would discuss the candidacy of AlHajraf during the upcoming ministerial meeting.
Social media and news outlets cited different sources claiming Kuwait withdrew Al-Hajraf’s candidacy and replaced him with another candidate.