BRUSSELS (WAM)

Mohammed Ismail Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, met with Paul Van Tigchelt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Belgium. The meeting took place in the presence of Ann Fransen, Head of the Federal Prosecutor's Office, and Jacqueline De Moo, Judicial Attaché to the UAE.

During the meeting, Al Sahlawi underscored the depth of the UAE-Belgium bilateral relations and highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest, aimed at serving the common interests of their governments and peoples.

Al Sahlawi reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast dedication to combat transnational organised crime and noted that the UAE’s decision to extradite a fifth criminal to Belgium before the end of the year reflects the country’s proactive approach in tackling such crimes.

He further emphasised the UAE’s commitment to working closely with international partners, including Belgium, to support global efforts in combating organised crime, money laundering, terrorism financing, and drug trafficking.

Paul Van Tigchelt praised the robust ties between the UAE and Belgium, particularly in the judicial field. He highlighted the appointment of a Belgium judicial attaché to, noting it as a testament to the commitment of both nations to fostering collaboration and exchanging expertise to achieve shared objectives.