Manama: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Committee for Combating Extremism, Terrorism Financing, and Money Laundering, met with Samya Abou Sharif, Chairperson of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF). Shaikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO of the Financial Intelligence National Centre (FINC) and Chairperson of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Policy Committee, was also in attendance.
According to Bahrain News Agency, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah praised the essential role of MENAFATF in combating money laundering and terrorist financing crimes. He emphasized that the cooperation between Bahrain and MENAFATF supports international confidence and enhances the reputation of Bahrain's financial and banking sectors.
The Minister highlighted Bahrain's strategic initiatives aimed at updating anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing policies. These efforts are grounded in advanced legislative and legal frameworks. He pointed out the role of the National Financial Intelligence Centre in formulating national strategies and improving the effectiveness of ongoing efforts ahead of a comprehensive evaluation.
The meeting also addressed Shaikha May bint Mohammed's upcoming role as Deputy President of MENAFATF for the next year. This appointment underscores the international community's trust in Bahrain's efforts to combat financial crimes and protect the global financial system.