AML/CFT domains: Pakistan, NZ agree to enhance bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and New Zealand, on Wednesday, agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) domains for bringing them at par with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

The understanding was reached during a video call between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Nanaia Mahuta.

According to a statement of the Foreign Office, the two sides discussed the whole range of issues concerning bilateral relations and regional cooperation during a video call received by Foreign Minister Qureshi from Foreign Minister of New Zealand Mahuta.

“Both sides agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) domains,” it stated, adding that Foreign Minister Qureshi also reiterated Pakistan’s high-level political commitment to bring Pakistan’s AML/CFT regime to international standards and highlighted the sustained efforts made including unprecedented actions taken by Pakistan in this area during the last three years.

While appreciating the steady progress in multi-dimensional bilateral relations over the years based on mutual trust and understanding, Qureshi renewed strong desire and commitment to consolidate and further enhance cooperation in diverse fields in line with the shared objectives of peace and development.

On New Zealand Cricket Board’s last-minute decision to cancel Pakistan tour, Pakistan expected New Zealand to share the information that led to that decision to call off the tour.

The foreign minister conveyed that it disappointed millions of cricket lovers.

Qureshi also suggested that New Zealand Cricket Board may consider and indicate another opportunity for the Pakistan tour.

He also highlighted the ongoing gross human rights violations committed by Indian security forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and underscored the need for the international community to help address the serious situation and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s constructive role in support of efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He said that Pakistan assisted about 21,000 nationals of 37 countries, including diplomatic staff and media representatives, in a safe evacuation from Kabul.

He underscored the importance of inclusive political settlement, need for the international community to positively engage with Afghanistan, and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance.

Foreign Minister Mahuta conveyed profound gratitude for Pakistan’s facilitative role in safe evacuation of their nationals and others from Afghanistan.

“Expressing satisfaction at the current level of engagement, the two foreign ministers agreed on further enhancing high-level interactions,” the FO statement stated, adding that Foreign Minister Mahuta invited Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit New Zealand at the earliest opportunity.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021