On 17 May 2009, the Executive Secretary of MENAFATF, Mr. Adel Al Qulish received the Deputy Secretary of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering Mr. Eliot Kennedy in the MENAFATF Secretariat in Manama, Bahrain.

Both sides discussed a number of issues of mutual interest relevant to the work of the two groups. This was the first meeting between MENAFATF and a FATF-Style Regional Body. The APG has an observer status with the MENAFATF since 2007.

The two sides stressed the importance of reinforcing cooperation and joint work under the different activities and programs exercised by both groups.