Jeddah: The first annual general meeting of the Regional Asset Recovery Network for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA-ARIN) commenced today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event is hosted by the Kingdom through the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha).
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the opening session featured H.E. Mazen bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous, President of Nazaha, who highlighted the significance of the meeting as the official launch of the network. This initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing regional and international collaboration in tackling financial crimes. Al-Kahmous expressed satisfaction with the high-level participation from member states and international organizations, including the CARIN network, underscoring the importance of joint efforts in facing common challenges.
Al-Kahmous emphasized that under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030, which prioritizes anti-corruption and asset recovery. The Kingdom's hosting of the network's permanent General Secretariat further solidifies this commitment to supporting member states and boosting regional and international cooperation.
The meeting follows a decision from the 39th general meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) in Riyadh, November 2024, which endorsed the network's establishment and Saudi Arabia's role in hosting its inaugural meeting. Al-Kahmous highlighted the shared responsibilities in addressing challenges related to illicit assets from corruption, money laundering, and organized crime, emphasizing the need for close cooperation and expertise exchange.
Al-Kahmous noted that launching MENA-ARIN represents a practical step towards creating an effective regional asset recovery mechanism. He expressed hope that the network will become a leading platform for enhancing member states' capacities in asset recovery and safeguarding economic systems' integrity.
H.E. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), commended Saudi Arabia and Nazaha for their pioneering role in combating corruption. She stressed that asset recovery is essential for anti-crime efforts, accountability, and sustainable development. Waly acknowledged that successful asset recovery cases are rare and highlighted the need for international cooperation based on mutual trust and strong technical capacity.
Andrea Tirlia, representing the Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (CARIN), praised the meeting's high level of participation as a milestone for the global asset recovery community. She emphasized the importance of supporting practitioners who serve as contact points and build cross-border communication bridges.
Samiya Abu Sharif, President of MENAFATF, stated that the group supports the network's creation to facilitate informal cooperation on asset recovery. She highlighted the network's goals of information exchange, capacity building, and strengthening trust between authorities. MENAFATF will support training programs to equip member state personnel with the latest skills.
The meeting will continue with panel discussions on regional cooperation in asset recovery and shaping the network's strategic direction.