H.E. Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, held a series of bilateral meetings with a number of esteemed ministers and governors of Arab central banks, during his participation in the annual meetings of Arab financial authorities held in the State of Kuwait.

The meetings included:

• H.E. Mr. Yahya Shunnar, Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority;
• H.E. Dr. Youssef El Khalil, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Lebanon;
• H.E. Mr. Fethi Zouhair Nouri, Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia;
• H.E. Mr. Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

During these meetings, H.E. Dr. Alturki discussed the Arab Monetary Fund’s new strategic directions, aimed at enhancing its role as a catalyst for financial stability and sustainable economic growth, in addition to being a key partner in institutional capacity-building across member countries.

This cooperation took place through a technical mission carried out during the first quarter of 2025, which focused on improving the accuracy and efficiency of financial data collection using information available from official entities such as banks and insurance companies.

As a result of these efforts, a reliable time series of financial sector data was developed, covering the period from 2019 to 2023. This contributes to supporting national accounts in line with the 2008 System of National Accounts (SNA) recommendations and enhances economic decision-making. The work processes and methodology were also documented to ensure continuous data updates in accordance with the revised approach.

This initiative aligns with the AMF’s broader strategy to enhance institutional capacities in member countries and support their adoption of international best practices in statistics and economic reporting.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the AMF’s financial and technical activities during the year. It includes the provision of financial assistance to several member countries, underscoring the Fund’s active role as a responsive lender aligned with development priorities. The AMF also offered specialized technical advice, studies, and economic analyses, reaffirming its position as a respected knowledge partner in shaping sound financial and economic policies in the region.

The report also sheds light on the AMF’s growing strategic role in reinforcing financial sector stability and advancing economic integration, further establishing its standing as a key partner in the region’s shared development goals. The AMF’s commitment to human capital development was also emphasized, with 75 training programs delivered in 2024, benefiting over 2,336 participants from various official institutions—highlighting the Fund’s leading role in institutional capacity-building.

H.E. Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, affirmed the AMF’s commitment to supporting its member countries and facilitating an environment conducive to achieving economic stability and growth.

It is worth noting that Somalia’s debt has spanned over 40 years, and this adjustment is part of the AMF’s new strategy aimed at supporting Arab countries.

In his remarks during the meetings, H.E. Dr. Fahad M. Alturki, Director General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund, emphasized the AMF's important role in promoting Arab financial cooperation, supporting economic stability, offering advisory services, and building capacities for Arab countries with the aim of achieving sustainable development.

These meetings serve as an important annual platform for the exchange of views and experiences among economic decision-makers in the Arab world, and for discussing key challenges and opportunities facing Arab economies, contributing to enhanced economic and financial integration among member countries.

The meetings included H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Abdul Razak, Minister of Finance of the Comoros; H.E. Dr. Gibril Ibrahim Mohamed, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of the Republic of Sudan; H.E. Mr. Mohammad Yisr Bernieh, Minister of Finance of the Syrian Arab Republic; and H.E. Mr. Abdelkarim Bouzred, Minister of Finance of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.

During the discussions, Dr. Alturki reviewed opportunities to further strengthen the Arab Monetary Fund’s support for its member countries within the framework of its new strategic direction, which positions the AMF as a strategic partner and enabler of institutional capacity-building for sustainable growth. Topics on the agenda included the resolution of arrears and non-performing debts, cooperation on digital transformation, and ways to enhance the credit ratings of Arab countries.

The opening session will be chaired by His Excellency Mr. Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance of the Sultanate of Oman. The meetings will include delegations from Arab countries, a select group of senior officials and pioneering economists engaged in public debt management, finance ministers, leaders of Arab financial institutions, and heads and governors of each of the participating institutions: the Arab Monetary Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development.

The AMF’s Composite Index of Arab Capital Markets recorded a slight decline of 0.06% at the end of February 2025, due to decreased performance in seven Arab exchanges, while six markets saw an improvement in their performance indicators.

Arab financial markets ended February 2025 with a varied performance, mirroring global markets that were affected by rising concerns over a slowdown in the U.S. economy, geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, increasing market valuations, and uncertainty stemming from trade wars and tariff hikes. The energy sector also posted negative performance, as crude oil prices declined due to oversupply.

Performance of Arab Stock Exchanges:

These initiatives reflect the institute’s commitment to enhancing expertise in economics and finance. The courses focused on improving participants’ abilities in economic data analysis, financial policy development, and addressing current economic challenges. They also highlight the AMF’s dedication to providing an advanced learning environment that meets the evolving needs of Arab financial and economic institutions.

The Arab Monetary Fund reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-quality training programs that strengthen technical competencies and support sustainable economic development in the Arab region.