UAE is key force in stopping money laundering, British security chief says

The UAE has a crucial role to play in blocking the flow of funding to terrorist groups, Britain’s security minister said on a visit to the UAE.

Admiral Lord West said that as a financial centre, the country was in a unique position to help “exorcise the cancer of violent extremist terrorism” by preventing money laundering.

He also underscored the strong bond between Britain and the UAE, noting the UK had no greater friend in the Gulf region.

Lord West spoke on Sunday at the start of a two-day visit to the Emirates, during which he met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The minister later visited the headquarters of Dubai Customs, where he discussed ways of improving the exchange of intelligence between British and Emirati law enforcement agencies.

“It is in the interests of all countries in the world to exorcise the cancer of violent extremist terrorism,” he said.