Al-Sheikh: Saudi Arabia is Land of Tolerance, Coexistence

Part of the activities of the Tolerance Forum, which was hosted by the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the activities of the Tolerance Forum, which was hosted by the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Al-Sheikh: Saudi Arabia is Land of Tolerance, Coexistence

Part of the activities of the Tolerance Forum, which was hosted by the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the activities of the Tolerance Forum, which was hosted by the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh said on Thursday that the Kingdom, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, recognizes the importance of calling for peaceful coexistence.

He said that Saudi Arabia is distinguished for being a land of tolerance and coexistence among its society members and social components.

Al-Sheikh stressed that the Kingdom has always sought to spread the culture of tolerance and coexistence since its establishment by late King Abdulaziz Al Saud.

He said it plays a pivotal role in establishing the concept of dialogue at the global level to contribute to formulating the right Islamic discourse based on moderation through constructive dialogue.

Saudi Arabia believes that the next stage requires all to consider the past experience in dialogue and coexistence and anticipate future aspects to lay the foundations of dialogue with others, deepen understanding among peoples and enhance global cooperation and coexistence.

Al-Sheikh pointed out that one of his ministry’s priorities is to spread tolerant Islamic principles, such as moderation, and call for dignified Islamic morals.

It also warns against the threat posed by terrorist organizations and groups that seek to engage young people in violence, extremism and terrorism, and calls for cooperation among all relevant authorities to promote tolerant Islamic principles.

It further underscored the need to protect young people from anti-Islam distractions and intellectual currents by seeking to achieve the strategic objective of the Saudi Vision 2030, which includes promoting the values of moderation and tolerance.



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.