ABU DHABI, The 16th forum of UAE ambassadors and representatives of missions abroad yesterday continued for the third day in Abu Dhabi.
Among the key topics discussed at the forum on Friday were the UAE’s foreign policy, regional and international geostrategic developments, the national emergency system and efforts aimed at countering financial crime. The forum was attended by ministers, ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and a group of senior officials and directors of departments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as officials from a number of government institutions and bodies in various sectors.
The third day began with a session chaired by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, who discussed the latest developments in the African continent and highlighted the strong relations between the UAE and African nations. During his speech, Sheikh Shakhboot underscored the UAE’s keenness to enhance cooperation with these countries in all fields, in order to achieve the interests and aspirations of the peoples of the two regions.
Moreover, Sheikh Shakhboot emphasised that the UAE highly values its partnerships with African countries in all fields, and expresses its pride in continuing to work for a better world for future generations, through joint efforts to achieve development and prosperity in the African continent. Furthermore, he underscored that there are many opportunities and possibilities to develop and strengthen UAE-Africa relations in various fields.
The forum included a session titled “The National Emergency System,” presented by Obaid Rashid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), and Hamad Saif Al Kaabi, Spokesperson of NCEMA. The session highlighted the key role of NCEMA to ensure national readiness and guarantee the country’s safety and security, as well as its proactive plans and national readiness for all types of emergencies and crises, in collaboration with its partners and relevant national authorities. This is to ensure an effective national response through concerted efforts and continued coordination. Furthermore, they reviewed the national strategy for dealing with emergencies and crises based on a proactive response.
The session also discussed the country’s exemplary efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, which strengthened its position globally through its effective response, flexibility, national cooperation, and by leveraging all its resources.
The forum featured a session led by Hamid Al Zaabi, Director General of the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing, where he highlighted the UAE’s efforts to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism, noting that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) lauded the progress made by the UAE to develop its national anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing system.
Moreover, he underscored that the country has adopted swift procedures to address these issues through its strong legal and regulatory system in accordance with best international practices for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Al Zaabi also confirmed that the UAE is committed to working closely with FATF to implement its recommendations in line with the country’s well-established approach to combating financial crime.
The third day ended with a session chaired by Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), in which he highlighted relevant international developments and political, economic and geostrategic challenges.
Source: Emirates News Agency