The National Agency of Ukraine for Finding, Tracing and Management of Assets Derived from Corruption and Other Crimes (ARMA) and the Asset Recovery Bureau of the Republic of Malta (ARB) signed a Memorandum of Partnership and Cooperation.

The signing of the agreement took place on Thursday 7th March via video conference.

Olena Duma delivered a welcoming speech and noted that this is the first Memorandum of Cooperation and Partnership with foreign partners in the eight years of ARMA's existence. This agreement will provide a basis and a sustainable platform for further initiatives and will strengthen interaction and cooperation between Ukrainian and Maltese entities.

The Chairman of the Asset Recovery Bureau of the Republic of Malta, Judge Emeritus Joseph D. Camilleri, stressed the importance of the Memorandum not only for both agencies in their respective fields of activity, but also for both countries in general.

Anthony Sevasta, Director of the Asset Recovery Bureau of the Republic of Malta, noted the efficient work of both entities, considering that the Memorandum was developed, agreed and signed within a relatively short timeframe. Mr. Sevasta emphasised the importance of the agreement in the context of strengthening communication, exchange of experience, training and education of ARMA’s and ARB’sstaff to achieve common goals more effectively.

Following the signing of the agreement, Deputy Head for European integration of ARMA Grigol Katamadze proposed to intensify joint work on finding and tracing assets abroad.

After the signing of the Memorandum of Partnership and Cooperation, the parties thanked and invited each other to make working visits to both countries.