Foreign Ministry holds virtual workshop

Manama, May 6(BNA): The National Committee to follow up Bahrain’s commitment to all resolutions issued by the International Security Council, organized a national virtual workshop headed by the Undersecretary of International Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. The online which focused on building capacity to protect the non-profit sector from terrorist exploitation, is the second to be held in Bahrain in partnership with the United Nations Office for Counter- errorism and the Taskforce on counter-terrorism . Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed the importance of sustaining efforts aimed at strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to the UN Security Council resolutions, in addition to its duties and responsibilities to protect international peace and security taking into account the safety procedures at the present time. He stated that the purpose of the workshop is to exchange ideas and practice with the relevant international authorities, build capacities and skills on implementing the decisions of the UN Security Council, fulfilling the recommendations of the Financial Working Group (FATF) and establishing preventive controls in order to avoid any exploitation of civil society organizations as a cover for financing terrorism. He noted that Bahrain, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is making pioneering and effective efforts in combating terrorism and its financing, adding that it adopts a proactive and comprehensive strategy that links the security dimension with the sustainable development dimensions, as well as dedicating civilized coexistence and strengthening the rule of law. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stressed Bahrain’s commitment to implementing all the recommendations of the Financial Working Group (FATF), including the eighth recommendation, which is the subject of the workshop. He stressed the importance of building a relationship based on cooperation, trust and information exchange with the non-profit sector in order to raise awareness of the risks attached to it. He added that the high number of participants in this virtual workshop of 102 participants is evidence of increasing awareness among workers in the participating sectors, and the possibility of harnessing technology to achieve goals and overcome the difficulties caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. The workshop was held in the presence of the Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator, experts from the United Nations Office for Combating Terrorism and a group of international experts specialized in this field. Members of the National Committee to follow up the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions, as well as representatives from various entities, civil society organizations, banks and financial institutions also took part.