Parliament today approved the Maldives’ joining the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) convention on cooperation in combating corruption.

The motion to join the Makkah al-Mukarramah Convention on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation was passed with 58 votes in favour.

Signed by OIC member states in 2023, the convention aims to strengthen cooperation in preventing corruption, improving financial transparency and recovering assets acquired through illicit means.

The treaty was drafted following a meeting of OIC foreign ministers in Jeddah in 2022. Twenty-one countries have signed it so far.

Under the convention, member states are expected to share intelligence on corruption and financial crimes, cooperate in investigations and prosecutions, and provide mutual legal assistance.

The agreement also provides for cooperation in identifying and seizing assets obtained through criminal activity, sharing technical expertise and training, and coordinating efforts with other international organizations working to combat corruption.

Signatories are required to cooperate in preventing and addressing offences including embezzlement, bribery, money laundering and obstruction of justice.