RIYADH: The inaugural Arab Forum of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units begins Wednesday in Riyadh, hosted by the Presidency of State Security.

It brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing through enhanced cooperation and capabilities.

The two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively, according to the forum’s website.

Recognizing the need for a multi-faceted approach, the forum focuses on cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines to combat corruption.

Through international collaboration, elevating local institutional integrity, and engaging citizens, the forum aims to tackle corruption and financial crime challenges effectively.

Leveraging private sector efforts, deploying technology for transparency, and addressing root causes of corruption are also part of the agenda.

The event will feature 75 speakers from 25 countries, including Sheikh Ahmed Al-Thani, head of Qatar Financial Information Unit; Samya Abou Sharif, director of the Jordanian Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Unit; Dr. Raed Radwan, head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission; and Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute.

By uniting government agencies, law enforcement bodies, financial intelligence units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, the forum harnesses collective wisdom and expertise against financial crime.

The forum also facilitates networking, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, fostering partnerships and concrete initiatives for progress in anti-corruption efforts.

RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the United Nations assembly's resolution supporting Palestine's full membership, the Saudi State Agency reported.

The council of ministers emphasizing the need to halt Israeli military escalations and violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.

Minister of Information, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to global security, active participation in international relief efforts, and advocacy for issues affecting Arab and Islamic nations.

The council also discussed the recent reception of pilgrims arriving for Hajj.

Directives were issued to maintain high standards of procedures and services at entry points in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Sites.

The council also received a comprehensive briefing on recent diplomatic dialogues with various nations, including discussions between the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of Ukraine.