Syria took part in the first annual general meeting of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA-ARIN), held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Amer al-Ali, head of Syria’s Central Authority for Control and Inspection, described the gathering as an important step toward enhancing cooperation among regional countries in the field of asset recovery.
He noted that the meeting provides a platform for member states and partners to share experiences, exchange expertise, and discuss ways to improve mechanisms for combating corruption and reclaiming illicit assets. Ali emphasized that recovering stolen assets is not merely an economic matter but a foundation for building a stable and just economy, adding that it is also essential to rebuilding public trust between nations and their citizens.
Commitment to Reform and Transparency
Ali acknowledged that Syria, like many countries in the region, has faced major challenges in recent years, with widespread corruption under the former regime severely affecting public institutions and depleting national resources. He said the authority, in cooperation with international and local partners, is taking serious steps to reform Syria’s financial and administrative systems.
“Despite the challenges we face,” he said, “reform is not just an option but a necessity to restore rights and rebuild trust between the state and its citizens.” Ali reaffirmed Syria’s full commitment to transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of oversight institutions to ensure that every reform effort is marked by integrity and justice.
Expanding International Cooperation
The Syrian official also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with member states of MENA-ARIN by expanding information exchange and improving joint strategies to recover illicit assets.
He stressed that asset recovery goes beyond financial restitution, representing a wider step towards building a stable, participatory, and sustainable economy based on the rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights. “Our goal,” he said, “is to ensure that all Syrians can live in dignity and trust their institutions.”
Ali concluded by reaffirming Syria’s readiness to work closely with all member states to recover national funds stolen by the Assad regime. He expressed hope for support from neighboring and friendly countries in assisting Syria’s efforts to restore the wealth and rights of its people.
About the MENA-ARIN Network
The meeting was held under the auspices of the Saudi Authority for Oversight and Anti-Corruption (Nazaha), which serves as the permanent secretariat of MENA-ARIN and holds the presidency for 2025.
The MENA-ARIN network operates as part of a global system of regional asset recovery networks that facilitate information sharing and cooperation in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
