The European Union has said that the United Arab Emirates is a key security partner in efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, underscoring the growing importance of both sides’ support for a rules-based international order amid current geopolitical developments.
The remarks came as the UAE and the European Union successfully concluded the ninth structured dialogue on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, held virtually. The two sides reaffirmed the strength of their strategic partnership and their ongoing cooperation in tackling financial crime, strengthening international collaboration and supporting joint efforts to develop AML and CFT systems.
Focused talks on financial crime cooperation
The dialogue was co-chaired by Omar Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, on the Emirati side, and Rosamaria Giannini, Deputy Director-General for the Middle East and North Africa at the European External Action Service, on the European side.
Senior officials from both sides discussed a range of key areas of cooperation, including judicial coordination in criminal matters, cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the exchange of financial information. They also reviewed ways to further strengthen the UAE-EU partnership in order to improve alignment, coordination and joint effectiveness in responding to international financial crimes.
The talks included a comprehensive review of existing cooperation channels between the relevant authorities in the UAE and the EU. Discussions focused on global trends, emerging risks and challenges related to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Both sides also examined opportunities to expand cooperation to help protect the integrity of the international financial system, counter illicit financial activity and uphold international compliance standards.
Agreed next steps and technical outcomes
The dialogue concluded with both sides agreeing to continue work on a clear set of technical and practical outcomes aimed at strengthening cooperation, coordination and communication between the relevant entities. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintain constructive engagement and collaboration in the period ahead.
During the dialogue, Omar Al Shamsi stressed the importance of sustaining cooperation and communication between the UAE and the European Union in confronting threats linked to financial crime and in advancing international cooperation.
He said that the continuation of regular cooperation and the exchange of technical expertise contributes to collective efforts, strengthens adherence to international standards, and reinforces the integrity and stability of the global financial system.
He said: «تعكس النسخة التاسعة من الحوار الهيكلي بين دولة الإمارات والاتحاد الأوروبي، بشأن مكافحة غسل الأموال ومكافحة تمويل الإرهاب، التزامنا المشترك بتعزيز التعاون في مكافحة الجرائم المالية، والحفاظ على نزاهة النظام المالي العالمي».
وأضاف أن بلوغ هذه النسخة من الحوار يجسد الثقة المتبادلة، والتواصل المستدام، والإرادة المشتركة لمواصلة هذه الجهود.
EU sees UAE as a major security partner
For its part, the European side said that support from the EU and the UAE for a rules-based international system is becoming increasingly important in light of current geopolitical developments, noting that the UAE is a major security partner for the European Union, particularly in the fields of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.
It said the dialogue is intended to identify shared priorities, anticipate challenges and find solutions before they become significant obstacles. In this context, it highlighted the importance of countering sanctions evasion, particularly in view of current geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
Both sides said that strengthening judicial cooperation and cooperation between law enforcement agencies is a fundamental pillar for further progress, adding that their dialogue has proved effective and has delivered tangible results in this area.
The European Union also expressed confidence that the progress made by the UAE in this regard will be reflected positively in the next Financial Action Task Force evaluation, scheduled for February 2027.
. الجانبان ناقشا التنسيق القضائي في الشؤون الجنائية والتعاون بين جهات إنفاذ القانون، وتبادل المعلومات المالية.