By Abdulwahed Al-Talibi
(with photos) MARRAKECH, Oct 26 (KUNA) -- The Second Arab Forum on Asset Recovery started on Saturday aimed at forging greater collaboration towards the recovery of stolen assets in politically transiting countries, with the attendance of 40 nations, including Kuwait.
The three-day event, also known as AFAR II, is being co-hosted by Morocco and Britain, in association with the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative of the World Bank (STAR) and the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime.
In his keynote speech, Moroccan Minister of State Abdellah Baha asserted the need for nations that witness regime changes - that end years of control and despotism, and instead establish mutual democratic governments - to hasten efforts aimed at making proper use of their resources on equal foot.
These changes have come in the midst of an international financial downturn that has affected the purchasing power of a wide portion of the public, and this has threatened the social ladder and stability of these countries.
He urged the importance, on this instance, of asset recovery, tackling corruption and achieving equality in order to reach the aspired goals in question.
The Moroccan minister also stressed the need for broad international cooperation aimed at providing technical assistance, capacity building and the creation of a regional network that combines know-how.
The Arab Forum on Asset Recovery was established in 2012, with the first meeting having taken place in Qatar.
Kuwait is being represented by the Foreign Ministry's International Organisations Department chief Jassem Al-Mubaraki. (end) adt.sd KUNA 262050 Oct 13NNNN