Islamic Countries Adopt Makkah Agreement for Cooperation in Combating Corruption

A group photo of ministers, presidents, deputies and representatives of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies in the OIC member states and heads of relevant international organizations (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A group photo of ministers, presidents, deputies and representatives of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies in the OIC member states and heads of relevant international organizations (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Islamic Countries Adopt Makkah Agreement for Cooperation in Combating Corruption

A group photo of ministers, presidents, deputies and representatives of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies in the OIC member states and heads of relevant international organizations (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A group photo of ministers, presidents, deputies and representatives of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies in the OIC member states and heads of relevant international organizations (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Anti-corruption agencies of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states have adopted the Makkah Agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation and preventing corruption crimes.

The law enforcement agencies have attended their first ministerial meeting, in Jeddah. Heads of international bodies also attended the two-day meeting, which was held under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

President of the Kingdom’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous said that Saudi Arabia supported efforts to combat corruption at local and international levels, as it constituted a pillar of Vision 2030.

He said that the meeting was a confirmation of the OIC’s charter — which seeks to combat corruption, money laundering and organized crime — and embodied the strong relations between Islamic countries which helped signify a united front toward desired goals.

He added that the adoption of the Makkah Agreement by member states would establish a new phase of cooperation in the field of combating corruption to serve common interests.

For his part, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said that the Makkah Agreement provided the most significant and effective framework for preventing and combating corruption in member states through effective prevention, law enforcement, international cooperation, and asset recovery mechanisms.

Taha called on the OIC states to engage in the fight against corruption by signing and ratifying the Makkah Agreement in order to enforce anti-corruption laws “in accordance with their legal systems and in line with the aspirations and perspectives of member states in the fight against corruption.”

Furthermore, Taha thanked Saudi Arabia for its generous initiative in hosting the first ministerial meeting of law enforcement agencies concerned with combating corruption in member states under the umbrella of the OIC.

The Makkah Agreement looks to enhance cooperation between the enforcement authorities of anti-corruption laws in an efficient and speedy manner. It encourages joining the Riyadh Initiative, provides a legal framework for the exchange of information and investigations directly and quickly, and contributes to preventing corruption crimes and limiting safe havens for the corrupt.



Saudi Interior Minister Hails Security Forces for Successful Hajj Season

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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Saudi Interior Minister Hails Security Forces for Successful Hajj Season

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hajj Supreme Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz extended congratulations from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the personnel involved in implementing the Hajj security plans on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and the successful completion of this year's Hajj.

This includes members of the Ministry of Interior, the Presidency of State Security, and supporting military agencies from the Ministry of National Guard, the Ministry of Defense, and the General Intelligence Presidency.

Prince Abdulaziz met at the ministry's headquarters in Makkah on Sunday with senior officials, commanders of security sectors, Hajj security forces, and supporting military and security agencies in attendance.

He stressed that in line with the directives of the leadership, who provided all necessary means and ensured coordination among all government and security bodies, the approved plans for this year’s Hajj were successfully implemented, marking a continuation of ongoing development efforts.

Prince Abdulaziz praised the efforts of the security and military sectors participating in this year’s Hajj, commending their unity, sincerity, and dedication in the field.

Their work reflected a deep sense of national and religious responsibility as they honored the privilege of serving the pilgrims, he added.