UAE, Netherlands Strengthen Judicial Cooperation on Crime

Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Justice, met with Foort van Oosten, Minister of Justice and Security of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in The Hague. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral judicial cooperation and addressing shared concerns related to transnational organized crime, money laundering, and financial offenses that require strong international coordination.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, international justice, and mutual transparency. They noted that cross-border criminal activity remains a significant challenge to global security and stability. Effective judicial cooperation and mutual legal assistance are essential to combating these threats and maintaining regional and international order.

The dialogue was described as highly significant in strengthening legal cooperation between the two nations. Minister Al Nuaimi stressed the UAE’s commitment to expanding judicial partnerships with the Netherlands and the wider European community. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in tackling organized and financial crime, including illicit use of virtual assets, while emphasizing efforts to identify, freeze, and recover criminal proceeds efficiently.

Al Nuaimi noted that the UAE has pioneered digital transformation in judicial services, which can be shared with the Netherlands to enhance transparency, efficiency, and innovation. Both sides agreed that leveraging digital systems will streamline case management, communication, and judicial correspondence, contributing to faster and more reliable justice delivery.

Minister van Oosten praised the UAE’s leadership in promoting international judicial cooperation. He recognized substantial progress under the Bilateral Treaties on Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance that entered into force in August 2023. Since implementation, the UAE has completed 11 extradition requests, with six additional cases pending in courts and 17 under investigation. Ten extraditions were successfully completed in 2025 alone, highlighting operational trust between the two ministries.

Both ministers discussed the growing importance of asset tracing, freezing, and confiscation in disrupting transnational criminal networks. They committed to enhancing coordination, sharing best practices in financial investigations, and improving regulation of virtual assets to combat organized crime effectively.

The ministers welcomed the establishment of direct communication channels between their ministries, which have accelerated cooperation and reduced case-processing times. They emphasized promoting the exchange of expertise, training, and capacity building for judicial and prosecutorial institutions. They also noted the value of the Dutch Liaison Prosecutor in Abu Dhabi and ongoing cooperation with Eurojust in strengthening practical coordination.

Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their determination to build on progress and further strengthen legal instruments and institutional ties. They agreed to continue enhancing cross-border crime cooperation, uphold justice, and protect security for both nations, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi.