The National Committee Holds a Meeting with Partners and Donors to Implement the National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy

SadaNews Economy - The National Committee for Combating Money Laundering held an extensive meeting with international and national partners to discuss the implementation of the national strategy responsive to the results of the national risk assessment. The meeting was sponsored by H.E. the Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority / Chairman of the National Committee Mr. Yahya Shanar, with the participation of the Attorney General of the State of Palestine, Counselor Akram Al-Khateeb, and the head of the Financial Follow-Up Unit and the head of the National Risk Assessment Team Dr. Firas Marar.

The meeting was attended by a number of ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and donor agencies, in addition to members of the National Committee, the national team, and representatives from relevant ministries, security agencies, bank managers, and the private sector.

In his speech, Governor Yahya Shanar emphasized the firm commitment of the State of Palestine to implement anti-money laundering standards, noting that the approval of the national strategy by the Cabinet last June represents an essential step in establishing the legislative, regulatory, and institutional frameworks in this field.

He also stressed the importance of the role of partners and donors in supporting the implementation of this strategy, which contributes to enhancing financial and political stability in the State of Palestine and adhering to relevant international standards.

For his part, Attorney General Counselor Akram Al-Khateeb explained that implementing the national strategy constitutes a roadmap for developing the financial crime combating system and enhancing national capabilities to confront threats associated with high-risk crimes. He praised the close cooperation between the public prosecution, the Financial Follow-Up Unit, and the National Committee in pursuing financial crimes and promoting joint institutional work.

Dr. Firas Marar pointed out the importance of the support provided by the National Committee to the national risk assessment team, affirming that the formulation of the national strategy is the result of collective efforts from various national institutions despite the financial and political challenges facing the State of Palestine. He also presented the main strategic objectives that will guide the implementation phase in cooperation with international partners and donors.

This meeting comes within the framework of the commitment of the State of Palestine to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and the enhancement of cooperation with international partners to ensure the robustness of the Palestinian financial system and maintain correspondent banking relationships, especially during the upcoming phase that requires the flow of aid for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the development of national and international partnerships in combating financial crimes.