https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/118912.html

His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Committee to Combat Extremism, Terrorism and its Financing, and Money Laundering, attended the launch of Bahrain's National Strategy forCombating Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and the Proliferation of Weapons(2025-2027) on Sunday. The ceremony was held at the Public Security Officers Club, with the presence of the Minister of Finance and National Economy, the Minister of Defence Affairs, the Attorney General, the Minister of Information, and the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments.

HE the Interior Minister highlighted that the launch of this strategy aligns with thereform and stability vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the security, development, and prosperity that Bahrain enjoys under the directives of the wise government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He stressed that the strategy is a key pillar in building the national economy, while acknowledging the efforts of the Minister of Finance and National Economy insupporting the Committee for Combating Extremism, Terrorism, Its Financing, and Money Laundering.

HE the Interior Minister praised the Financial Intelligence National Centre, led by Shaikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, CEO and Chairperson of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Committee, noting the Centre's distinguished role in strengthening national financial intelligence and enhancing effectiveness in this field. He emphasized that building a strong national economy must go hand in hand with diligent security, particularly given the rapid growth of digital crime worldwide.

Shaikha May affirmed that the national strategy reflects Bahrain's commitment toreinforcing its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, enhancing the integrity of the financial system, and maintaining the stability of the national economy. She highlighted the comprehensive preparation of the second national risk assessment, which involved collaboration between government authorities, the private sector, and working groups to produce a robust national report.

"Based on the outcomes of this assessment,a national action plan has been adopted to identify risks, address vulnerabilities, and allocate resources efficiently to mitigate and combat these threats,"Shaikha May said. She added that the strategy includes ten key strategic objectives, aligned with the national risk assessment, which relevant authorities are required to implement to ensure compliance and strengthen financial system integrity.

HE the Interior Minister officially launched the strategy, underlining its role in enhancing the capacity of national authorities to address challenges linked to money laundering, terrorism financing, and weapons proliferation.

During the ceremony,a short documentary on the National Risk Assessment was screened, followed by the Interior Minister honoring members of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Committee for their outstanding contributions in drafting the strategy.