Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
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Conference in Kuwait Warns of Growing Influence of Extremist Groups in Conflict Zones

The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)
The High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” kicked off in Kuwait on Monday. (KUNA)

Kuwait reiterated its commitment to working with the international community to tackle the growing threat of terrorism, highlighting the importance of strengthening global cooperation in this fight.

Meanwhile, the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Representative warned that the number of deaths from terrorist attacks is on the rise, with the latest Global Terrorism Index showing a 22% increase in fatalities in 2023.

Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, cautioned that conflict zones could become breeding grounds for terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda.

He spoke at the High-Level International Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process” that began in Kuwait on Monday.

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah said: “We expect this phase of the Dushanbe Process to strengthen international efforts aimed at creating a secure and stable future for all.”

“Terrorism knows no borders and does not distinguish between countries or religions,” he noted.

The conference will conclude its work Tuesday, with the adoption of the “Kuwait Declaration” which will reflect the discussions and opinions of the participants and will serve as a guiding document for efforts to combat terrorism.

The Crown Prince urged collective action against terrorism and emphasized the need for unity in facing this challenge. He stressed that terrorism and violent extremism are not linked to any religion, culture, or ethnic group.

He also highlighted the critical role of the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Program and the UN Counter-Terrorism Center in boosting border security, providing member states with the necessary expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate counter-terrorism measures.

This approach is vital for effectively addressing emerging threats at borders.

At the conference's opening session, Voronkov stressed that international cooperation in fighting terrorism should guide all parties toward effective coordination and collaboration to secure their countries and prevent terrorist movements across borders.

Voronkov pointed out that the global security situation is changing, with terrorists exploiting border vulnerabilities. Recent reports show that more than 40% of violent incidents and 10% of deaths from political violence occur within 100 kilometers of land borders.

He specifically noted the growing terrorist presence in coastal West African countries like Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, mentioning that violent incidents in border areas have surged by 250% over the past two years.

He also highlighted that the latest Global Terrorism Index indicates a 22% rise in global terrorism-related deaths in 2023, reaching 8,352—the highest number since 2017.

Voronkov cautioned that the travel routes used by groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda pose significant risks, especially in conflict-affected regions like the Sahel, where they can recruit and move individuals across poorly secured borders.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Promoting Global Peace, Security

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Promoting Global Peace, Security

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA

Saudi Arabia's cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to promoting global peace and security and emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving international crises. This came during Tuesday's session chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session in Riyadh.
The Cabinet reviewed recent talks held by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with leaders of several brotherly and friendly nations. The discussions, part of ongoing close relations and consultations, focused on various regional and international issues.
The Cabinet expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his positive remarks, conveyed in a phone call with the Crown Prince, regarding Saudi Arabia's role in hosting fruitful talks between Russia and the United States.
Following the session, the Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and Acting Minister of Media, Dr. Essam bin Saad bin Saeed told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia's participation in recent regional and international meetings, part of the Kingdom's ongoing support for multilateral efforts that promote sustainable development, prosperity, and address shared global challenges.
The Cabinet expressed hope that the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum will contribute to unifying efforts and developing innovative solutions for enhancing humanitarian response in light of increasing global disasters and crises. The Cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's longstanding commitment to providing aid and relief to those in need worldwide.
The Cabinet commended the success of the first annual global AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, co-organized by Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund. It highlighted the conference's strategic vision, which promotes international cooperation and paves the way for a promising global economic future.
Dr. Bin Saeed stated that the Cabinet deemed the Kingdom's presidency of the World Trade Organization's General Council (2025-2026) as confirmation of its international standing and leadership role in strengthening partnerships and achieving constructive outcomes toward a more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive global trading system.
The Cabinet also noted the broad international participation in the fourth Saudi Media Forum held in Riyadh and the launch of initiatives including programs to enhance media business incubators and accelerators, support financial and regulatory transformation, foster talent development, and adopt modern technologies.