King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has called for formulating comprehensive and integrated strategies to fight terrorism.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister, at the 2nd meeting of the Advisory Board of the UN Counter-Terrorism Center in Jeddah on Sunday, the King said that combating terrorism was a common international responsibility requiring the highest degree of coordination and cooperation.
King Abdullah said that the adoption of the UN Counter-Terrorism strategy in 2006 by the General Assembly was an evidence that combating terror required strengthening of cooperation and coordination, which is embodied in the establishment of the UN Counter-Terrorism Center, the initiative adopted by the International Conference on Combating Terrorism held in Riyadh in 2005, which became a reality with the establishment of the UNCTC.
The Kingdom contributed $ 10 million for the establishment of the center. It is, however, not a substitute for international institutions involved in combating terrorism, but is supportive in coordinating these efforts.
The Kingdom has at various forums condemned and denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and whoever might be its perpetrators, and has announced its full readiness to join international efforts to combat it, the King said.
Addressing the gathering, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appreciated the commitment and generosity of King Abdullah, “whose support was important in making the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center a reality.”
He said that the center, which has attracted considerable interest, is important as terrorism continues to affect all regions around the world and claim lives.
He said that the United Nations strategy to address global terrorism, adopted by all member states, is the cornerstone of a global collective response. Ban Ki-moon stated that choking financial support to terrorism was also an important area and called for building a culture of dialogue and creating awareness.
Source: Saudi Gazette
