Colonel Turki commends Saudi Arabia’s outstanding role in combating terrorism

In a recent press briefing on the sidelines of the regional workshop titled “International cooperation and coordination responsible for evaluating countries” in Bahrain, Col. Turki Al-Harbi, the spokesperson for the Presidency of State Security, underscored Saudi Arabia’s unparalleled experience in combating terrorist crimes and their financing, labeling it as unique on a global scale. Emphasizing the core of this distinctive approach, he stated, “The essence of this experience is human life.”

Col. Al-Harbi elaborated on the Kingdom’s commitment to tackling terrorism and its funding through well-established principles rooted in law. Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance, he noted, “The Kingdom is one of the first countries to enact a law dealing with this crime through the regulations for combating terrorist crimes and its financing.”

Acknowledging the transnational nature of terrorism and its complex networks, Col. Al-Harbi disclosed the Kingdom’s pivotal role in establishing the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) in 2017. Functioning as an international center based in Riyadh, TFTC aims to combat terrorism financing, with Col. Al-Harbi affirming Saudi Arabia’s belief in the severity and complexity of this cross-border crime.

The Permanent Committee to Combat Terrorism and its Financing, represented by the Presidency of State Security, actively participated in the workshop. The event saw the presence of the US Department of the Treasury in its role as the chair of TFTC, along with member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Col. Al-Harbi highlighted the TFTC’s efforts in adhering to UN Security Council resolutions, implementing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, and contributing to capacity building initiatives and programs.

The Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), as Col. Al-Harbi emphasized, plays a pivotal role by aligning with international agreements, adhering to UN Security Council resolutions, and implementing FATF standards. The center actively engages in financial and administrative contributions to capacity-building initiatives, hosting meetings, conferences, and workshops in its tireless pursuit of combating terrorism and its financing.