Saudi Arabia joins Africa focus group of Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh

Saudi Arabia has announced its participation in the Africa Focus Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, according to Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Foreign Minister. The Kingdom joins the United States, Morocco, Italy, and Niger in the presidency of this group. Prince Faisal and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken co-chaired a ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh in Riyadh.

Prince Faisal expressed support for the establishment of a focus group dedicated to combating Daesh in Afghanistan’s Khorasan Province. He emphasized the group’s crucial role in addressing the presence and expansion of the terrorist organization in the region.

The Saudi Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of collective efforts in the fight against extremism and terrorism. He emphasized the role of media, culture, and education in countering terrorist influence and promoting a future based on tolerance, openness, sustainable development, and prosperity. Prince Faisal cited the Saudi Vision 2030 and similar initiatives as examples of this approach, aiming to empower youth to shape a better future.

Prince Faisal underscored Saudi Arabia’s longstanding belief in the necessity of permanent and collective efforts to combat terrorism, its criminal activities, and the extremist ideologies that contradict fundamental religious, human, and moral values.

Additionally, the Minister mentioned Saudi Arabia’s establishment of various centers dedicated to combating terrorism and extremist ideologies. Notably, the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) plays a significant role in countering extremist activities, promoting tolerance and moderation, and organizing media campaigns to reduce the influence of Daesh. Saudi Arabia collaborates with regional and international partners in these endeavors.