Saudi Arabia has donated $100 million to the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), it was announced in Makkah during King Abdullah's annual Eid Al-Fitr address following the end of the holy month of Ramadan this past Wednesday.

“I announce the donation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of $100 million to support this center and work for its activation under the umbrella of the United Nations, calling on all other nations to take part in support of this center to get rid of the forces of hatred, extremism and criminality as this is the inevitable duty for whoever sees that terrorism is a demolishing tool that aims at threatening the world security and peace,” said King Abdullah (photo) in his speech, which was delivered on his behalf by Minister of Culture and Information Dr Abdulaziz bin Mohieddin Khoja.

Saudi Ambassador to the US Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir commended the donation, stating, “This tremendous contribution reflects King Abdullah's commitment and determination to enhance international cooperation to fighting terrorism.”

Under the directives of King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia has forged partnerships with foreign governments and multilateral organizations to protect national security and reinforce counterterrorism strategies.

In 2011, Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with the United Nations to create the UNCCT and donated $10 million to its establishment. The initiative for this center was conceived in 2005, when King Abdullah held the Counter-Terrorism International Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Center is located at the UN headquarters in New York City. UNCCT works with experts to discuss counterterrorism related subjects and reinforce current United Nations counterterrorism initiatives.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his sincere gratitude to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia for his announcement of a $100 million contribution for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts.

“The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation for the significant contribution the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making under the wise leadership of the King to strengthen international peace and security, especially in the global fight against terrorism,” said a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr. Ban's spokesperson.

“This latest contribution will “greatly strengthen” the world body's capacity to assist Member States through the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) and other relevant UN bodies in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy,” the statement added.