MWL, Arab Parliament Condemn Terrorist Attack in Somali Capital

People gather near the wreckages of vehicles destroyed at the scene of an explosion outside a restaurant where patrons were watching the final of the Euro 2024 football tournament on TV, in Bondhere district of Mogadishu, Somalia July 15, 2024. (Reuters)
People gather near the wreckages of vehicles destroyed at the scene of an explosion outside a restaurant where patrons were watching the final of the Euro 2024 football tournament on TV, in Bondhere district of Mogadishu, Somalia July 15, 2024. (Reuters)
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MWL, Arab Parliament Condemn Terrorist Attack in Somali Capital

People gather near the wreckages of vehicles destroyed at the scene of an explosion outside a restaurant where patrons were watching the final of the Euro 2024 football tournament on TV, in Bondhere district of Mogadishu, Somalia July 15, 2024. (Reuters)
People gather near the wreckages of vehicles destroyed at the scene of an explosion outside a restaurant where patrons were watching the final of the Euro 2024 football tournament on TV, in Bondhere district of Mogadishu, Somalia July 15, 2024. (Reuters)

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

In a statement, the MWL General Secretariat condemned the heinous terrorist crime that claimed dozens of lives. It reiterated its rejection of all forms of extremism and resulting acts of violence and terrorism.

The WML, on behalf of its global assemblies, bodies, and councils, expressed full solidarity with Somalia and its people in facing all threats to the country's security and stability.

It also extended sincere condolences to the victims' families and sympathy to the injured, wishing them a swift recovery.

A car bomb exploded outside a restaurant in Mogadishu on Sunday night, killing five and injuring 20 as patrons were watching the final of the Euro 2024 football tournament on TV, police said, blaming extremist insurgents.

The bomb destroyed 10 cars and damaged several buildings nearby in a well-guarded area near the Presidential Palace, a Reuters reporter said.

Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the attack on an affiliated radio station, saying the bombing targeted a place where security and government workers meet at night.

The Arab Parliament also strongly condemned the attack, stressing its full solidarity with Somalia in its fight against terrorism and supporting all measures taken to confront extremist terrorist organizations.

It offered its sincere condolences to the families of the victims.



UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM
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UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM

A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC), visited Paris to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in combating financial and organised crimes and strengthening international economic security, state news agency WAM reported.

The mission aimed to present the UAE’s National Strategy 2024–2027 in combating financial crimes, reflecting the UAE’s proactive efforts to strengthen international partnerships and exchange expertise in this field. The visit highlights the UAE’s commitment to activating effective communication channels to reduce financial crimes in alignment with its strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards.

Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat and Vice Chairman of NAMLCFTC, emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in tackling financial crime, stating, “France is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, and likewise, the UAE is France’s primary trade partner in the region. This necessitates strengthening our partnership to address illicit global financial flows. This visit is part of our commitment to and belief in the importance of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise.

"Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships across various areas and with several partners, including the Ministries of Treasury, Justice, and Interior, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and others. We look forward to continuing our work with French partners, especially on priority issues such as global organised crime, combating drug trafficking, and mitigating shared risks between our countries.”

According to WAM, Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to the French Republic, commended the close bilateral relations between the UAE and the French Republic, saying: “This visit marks a significant milestone to enhance the strategic and enduring partnership between the UAE and France, rooted in close cooperation and our shared commitment to global economic security and the fight against international financial crime. Through strengthened collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we aim to advance international efforts to confront financial security challenges.”

He added: “The delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations, discussed the comprehensive approach adopted by the UAE in addressing financial crimes. Furthermore, the delegation participated in technical discussions on key priority issues with our French partners. We look forward to further deepening sustainable cooperation between the UAE and France, to reinforce regional and global frameworks to combat illicit financial activities.”