Tashkent: A delegation from the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee, led by Hamid AlZaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair, conducted a series of high-level meetings with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop, opened by Jakhongir Khatamov, Head of the Uzbekistan Department on Combating Economic Crimes, brought together experts from both countries to share experiences, strengthen institutional frameworks, and deepen cooperation on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF).
AlZaabi remarked that the UAE's participation in the meetings reflects its approach of building strategic partnerships and enhancing cross-border cooperation, ensuring that economic growth is underpinned by integrity and trust in financial systems. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding financial systems as economic ties between the UAE and Uzbekistan deepen, highlighting the potential for strengthening both formal and informal channels of cooperation through memoranda of understanding, technical exchanges, or direct practitioner dialogue.
Jakhongir Khatamov warmly welcomed Hamid AlZaabi and the UAE delegation, noting the extensive reforms undertaken by the United Arab Emirates to improve its national system of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. Khatamov expressed interest in expanding practical cooperation with the UAE's National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations, confident that the visit would enhance the exchange of experience and foster friendly ties between the agencies in the joint fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
The workshop program included joint presentations on national strategies to combat money laundering, financing of terrorism, and proliferation financing, as well as national risk assessments, coordination mechanisms, and a site visit to the Law Enforcement Academy.
The UAE and Uzbekistan play an active role in the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (EAG). Uzbekistan is a founding member, while the UAE became the first Arab country to join as an observer in 2024. Together, they bring complementary perspectives that strengthen the Group's ability to shape regional responses to illicit finance.