Jordan, Iraq sign MoU for anti-corruption coordination

AMMAN — The Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC) and the Iraqi Federal Commission of Integrity (FCOI) have signed a memorandum of understanding in Baghdad with the aim of enhancing cooperation and coordination in the field of preventing and combating corruption as per the principles and goals of the UN and Arab agreements on anti-corruption.

The agreement, signed by IACC Chairman Muhannad Hijazi and Judge Haider Hanoun of the FCOI, focuses on enhancing joint action to limit cross-border corruption crimes and includes several aspects of coordination, such as exchanging expertise, and enhancing the capacity and skills of employees, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Wednesday. 

It also seeks to activate training fields through specialised training courses, academic studies and research related to corruption and financial crimes, preventing and combating corruption, and exchanging best practices and approaches that proved their efficiency at the legislative and practical levels.

Hijazi highlighted the importance of constant coordination and cooperation in the field of anti-corruption and the need to adopt awareness approaches to instil the values of integrity, anti-corruption, and sanctity of public money in society.

Hanoun called on countries, mainly those member states to the UN and Arab agreements on anti-corruption, to join efforts and enhance cooperation to minimise the risks of corruption, referring to the threats of corruption on reconstruction, investment, development and the education and health sectors. 

Hijazi also met with President of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council  Faeq Zaidan and referred to the “deep-rooted” relations between Amman and Baghdad. 

Zaidan highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise between the two institutions.