Baghdad: The Integrity Commission and the Swiss Embassy have initiated discussions on strengthening cooperation in asset recovery, extradition, and combating corruption. The head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Dr. Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, emphasized the necessity for Iraq to recover funds smuggled abroad to enhance the state treasury and support development projects.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Al-Lami, during his meeting with Swiss Confederation Ambassador to Iraq, Daniel Hun, underscored the importance of international collaboration in recovering assets and extraditing individuals wanted for corruption, following the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The meeting marked the conclusion of Ambassador Hun’s diplomatic mission in Baghdad.

Dr. Al-Lami highlighted the significance of sustained cooperation between Iraq and Switzerland in preventing and combating corruption, and in promoting integrity and transparency within state institutions. He stressed the need to bolster cooperative mechanisms and legal assistance exchanges, particularly in recovering corruption proceeds and extraditing justice evaders.

The pursuit and recovery of smuggled funds are integral to national anti-corruption efforts, Dr. Al-Lami noted. He emphasized activating international cooperation mechanisms under the United Nations Convention against Corruption to limit safe havens for corruptly obtained funds and individuals, and to repatriate these funds to their origin countries.

Dr. Al-Lami expressed appreciation for Daniel Hun’s cooperative efforts during his tenure as Swiss Ambassador to Iraq, hoping for continued development of bilateral relations and coordination in oversight and legal domains, and wished the ambassador success in his future roles.

Swiss Ambassador Daniel Hun affirmed Switzerland’s readiness to continue supporting Iraq, especially its oversight institutions in tracking corrupt individuals and recovering misappropriated funds. He reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to reinforcing principles of integrity, transparency, and the rule of law, which contribute to a secure investment environment and enhance trust in state institutions.