Damascus, July 21 (SANA)Syria on Tuesday launched its national strategy for combatingmoney laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, in cooperation with United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The strategy was launched by Chairman of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Commission Safwan Raslan at Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.

The event was attended by Interior MinisterAnas Khattab,Justice MinisterMazhar al-Wais, Finance MinisterYisr Barnieh, Economy and Industry MinisterMohammad Nidal al-Shaar, Communications and Information Technology MinisterAbdulsalam Haykal, and Chairman of General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air TransportOmar al-Husari.

Raslan described this event as an opportunity to establish a shared national vision and unify the efforts of all relevant bodies to strengthen institutional coordination.

He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to continuously developing its national framework in line with international standards, Raslan said work was under way to complete legislative, institutional and technical reforms.

These efforts, he added, would support Syria in meeting international requirements and exiting the FATF grey list as soon as possible. UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Syria Ruhi Afaghani said the strategy formed part of priorities of new Syria, adding that this period had seen the gradual lifting of most international sanctions, the progressive return of investment and trade, and early signs of economic recovery.

Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais said Syria attached particular importance to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, which is not the responsibility of any single country, but a collective responsibility requiring an effective international partnership.

In turn, Interior Minister Anas Khattab said money laundering and terrorist financing were among the most serious challenges facing countries because of their direct impact on security, stability and the rule of law.

He said the ministry played a central role in the national framework through coordination with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Commission, the Public Prosecution and the judiciary.

Finance Minister Mohammad Yisr Barnieh said combating money laundering and terrorist financing is directly linked to the integrity of the financial system, investor confidence, the stability of the business environment and the effectiveness of state institutions.

While, Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar stressed that developing the national framework would provide a comprehensive legal foundation.