Saudi Arabia has approved an MoU with Pakistan to collaborate on investigations concerning money laundering and terrorist financing. The recent cabinet meeting also discussed various international relations, highlighted the establishment of Interpol’s regional headquarters, and welcomed agreements on security cooperation with Qatar, alongside visa-free travel arrangements with Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.
On Tuesday, during a cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of State Security approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s Financial Monitoring Unit. This agreement focuses on enhancing collaboration in investigating money laundering, terrorist financing, and related crimes.
The cabinet meeting also saw discussions on Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic engagements, particularly concerning global stability, including ongoing negotiations with Japan. Furthermore, the Crown Prince highlighted his recent dialogues with international leaders, including Syria’s President and Germany’s President.
A significant agenda item was the confirmation that Saudi Arabia will host the regional headquarters for Interpol in the Middle East and North Africa, aiming to bolster regional security against terrorism and various crimes. Additionally, the cabinet welcomed a statement from a six-party Arab ministerial meeting on Palestine, stressing the importance of a ceasefire and expedited humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The meeting resulted in the approval of several agreements, including a security pact between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, along with MoUs that enable visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders from Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. Structural changes were also proposed, shifting licensing authority in financial sectors from the Ministry of Commerce to the Saudi Authority for Auditors and Accountants.
Lastly, the cabinet reviewed annual reports from multiple government entities, including the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the Hail Development Authority, and the Food and Drug Authority, evaluating their contributions to governance and service delivery.
This article reports on the recent developments in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen security and international cooperation. The memorandum of understanding with Pakistan signifies an advance in combating financial crimes, which has become increasingly relevant as countries tighten their regulations against money laundering and terrorism financing. Additionally, the focus on regional security initiatives illustrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering peace in the Middle East.
The signing of the MoU between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan represents a proactive step in the fight against financial crimes, particularly money laundering and terrorist financing. This agreement, among other diplomatic efforts discussed in the cabinet meeting, reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of enhancing regional security and fostering international cooperation. The kingdom’s hosting of Interpol’s regional headquarters is particularly noteworthy as it aims to strengthen law enforcement collaboration in the region.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
