The governments of the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom concluded important bilateral meetings in London on September 2 and 3, focusing on enhancing cooperation to combat illicit financial crimes globally.

The visit was led by Hamid Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Financing of Illegal Organizations, who was received by Dan Jarvis, UK Minister of State for Security.

Senior officials from various ministries on both sides participated in the meetings, which lasted two days and confirmed the depth of the strategic partnership between the UAE and the UK in protecting the international financial system and confronting illicit financial networks that enable serious and organized crimes worldwide.

The meetings strengthened cooperation on strategic priorities, activated bilateral dialogue, and facilitated the exchange of best practices and information in regulatory, supervisory, law enforcement, and judicial fields.

Hamid Al Zaabi stated that financial crime is inherently cross-border and combating it requires global solutions, affirming the UAE and the UK’s firm commitment to tackling illicit financial crimes, highlighting the fruitful discussions held this week that paved the way to enhance operational efficiency and support bilateral relations.

For his part, Dan Jarvis, Minister of State for Security, confirmed that cooperation with the UAE represents an important step in joint efforts to combat illicit financial crimes and confront the international criminal networks that rely on them, explaining that through cross-border cooperation, the security of both countries can be better protected and communities shielded from the severe harms caused by money laundering and international crime. He emphasized that the UK is proud to stand alongside its Emirati partners in launching this vital dialogue.

(WAM)