DOHA: The Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) signed the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Convention Wednesday, marking a significant step in fostering cooperation among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in enforcing anti-corruption laws. The agreement was signed during the opening session of the Second Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, held in Doha, Qatar. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim, President of Nazaha, explained that the signing of the Makkah Convention aligns with the authority’s ongoing efforts to engage in international treaties and agreements aimed at preventing and fighting corruption.

Al-Ibrahim emphasized that Nazaha is committed to forging agreements that bolster global anti-corruption efforts and strengthen collaboration with other countries, as well as regional and international organizations. These partnerships are vital to enhancing law enforcement measures and combating corruption. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing corruption-related crimes, particularly in light of the growing prevalence of such activities across borders. The Makkah Convention focuses on promoting the exchange of information and investigations among law enforcement agencies involved in anti-corruption work. It aims to improve the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of corruption offenses, while also enhancing technical assistance, training, and the sharing of expertise between OIC member states.

Al-Ibrahim further highlighted that Nazaha played an active role in shaping the convention by providing valuable input during the drafting process. The authority also participated in preparatory meetings involving expert teams and senior officials from OIC member states focused on anti-corruption efforts.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha noted that traditional anti-corruption measures are no longer sufficient in today’s world. Rapid technological advancements have provided perpetrators with new tools to launder and conceal the proceeds of corruption, often with impunity. This development has expanded the reach of corruption, with its spread increasingly facilitated through the virtual world. Given this, he stressed the need for the OIC to strengthen cooperation and coordination, particularly among anti-corruption law enforcement authorities in member states, to effectively tackle this global issue. He believes the Makkah Convention offers the most suitable framework to achieve this enhanced collaboration. — Agencies