Experts strengthen global coordination in countering terror

KUWAIT: The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) Experts’ Meeting commenced in Kuwait on Wednesday under the theme “Enhancing International Judicial Cooperation and Handling Evidence in Terrorism Cases.” Co-chaired by Kuwait and Kenya, the two-day meeting brings together 49 representatives from 27 countries and international organizations.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Committee on the Implementation of Security Council Resolutions, Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan, highlighted the significance of Kuwait hosting the meeting as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to support the GCTF’s objectives and strengthen global coordination in countering terrorism.

The International Counter-Terrorism Forum’s expert meeting kicks off in Kuwait with the participation of 27 countries and organizations.- KUNA photos

Al-Mashaan recalled that Kuwait organized a GCTF workshop last October titled “Disengagement, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration” in cooperation with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), which drew more than 90 participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives and international experts. He also underscored Kuwait’s contributions to combating terrorism through bilateral cooperation with sisterly and friendly countries, particularly regarding foreign terrorist fighters.

Since 2018, Kuwait has facilitated the relocation of over 1,500 foreign terrorist fighters and their families from northeastern Syria to their countries of origin via its air bases, and continues to accept requests from partner nations for the repatriation of their citizens. Al-Mashaan expressed hope that the meeting will foster the exchange of expertise and experiences among participating countries and strengthen collaboration between their legal and judicial institutions in handling evidence and processing terrorism cases. — KUNA