The UAE delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations Committee (NAMLCFTC), has visited Paris to enhance cooperation with France.
The delegation focused on strengthening UAE-France collaboration in combating financial crimes and enhancing economic security. The mission also presented the UAE’s National Strategy 2024–2027 in combating financial crimes, highlighting the UAE’s dedication to enhancing international partnerships and exchanging expertise in this field.
The visit underscored the UAE’s commitment to activating effective communication channels to minimize financial crimes in line with its strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards.
Hamid Saif AlZaabi Secretary-General of the General Secretariat and Vice Chairman – NAMLCFTC
“France is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, and likewise, the UAE is France’s primary trade partner in the region. This necessitates strengthening our partnership to address illicit global financial flows. This visit is part of our commitment to and belief in the importance of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise. Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships across various areas and with several partners, including the Ministries of Treasury, Justice, and Interior, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and others. We look forward to continuing our work with French partners, especially on priority issues such as global organized crime, combating drug trafficking, and mitigating shared risks between our countries.”
Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to the French Republic, commented that, “This visit marks a significant milestone to enhance the strategic and enduring partnership between the UAE and France, rooted in close cooperation and our shared commitment to global economic security and the fight against international financial crime. Through strengthened collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we aim to advance international efforts to confront financial security challenges. The delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations, discussed the comprehensive approach adopted by the UAE in addressing financial crimes. Furthermore, the delegation participated in technical discussions on key priority issues with our French partners. We look forward to further deepening sustainable cooperation between the UAE and France, to reinforce regional and global frameworks to combat illicit financial activities.”
The UAE Ambassador also emphasized the UAE’s role in addressing financial crime globally, highlighting the country’s commitment to implementing the best international practices in the field of AML/CFT, while maintaining economic growth.
“The UAE adopts economic strategic approaches based on economic diversity, and aims to create a knowledge-based diversified economy, reinforced by scientific and technological advancements. In this regard, the UAE is distinguished by an active and prosperous economic environment that is also attractive to direct foreign investment,” added Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani.
The UAE delegation comprised representatives from the UAE Ministry of Interior, Federal Public Prosecution, Central Bank, Financial Intelligence Unit, and Dubai’s Center for Economic Security.
Recently, the UAE and France have strengthened bilateral relations through formal and informational cooperation. In November 2024, Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Justice, met Jean-François Bohnert, Head of the French National Financial Prosecutor’s Office, in Abu Dhabi, aimed at discussing ways to bolster bilateral cooperation in legal and judicial matters.
Furthermore, in February 2024, the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Financial Intelligence Units to enhance the exchange of financial data, highlighting both nations’ commitment to deepening cooperation in combating financial crimes and promoting financial transparency.
