The first co-ordination meeting of the parliamentary assemblies to combat terrorism for international and regional organisations and federations, organised by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Shura Council, began Monday in Doha. The three-day meeting aims to exchange expertise on the steps that can be taken to tackle terrorism and prevent violent extremism in a comprehensive manner.
HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem said in a speech during the meeting that the event was part of the activities of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, which opened officially in Doha in July. He noted that hosting the event reflects the directions of the country's wise leadership and the insight of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and his wise policy in all fields, especially in combating terrorism.
He pointed out that Qatar's hosting of this office is an explicit global recognition of the efforts made by the State in combating terrorism and eliminating all its causes as an obstacle to sustainable development and a major challenge to international peace and security. He explained that the importance of this office stems from the fact that its activities cover all parliaments of the world, in full co-ordination with international and regional parliamentary organisations and unions.
He added that the office will be an international center specialised in supporting parliamentarians, building capabilities, and coordinating efforts in the field of combating terrorism. He added that the office is interested in raising awareness on political issues and developments related to combating terrorism and violent extremism, and providing guidance to parliamentarians on ways to facilitate the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, as well as resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, in addition to facilitating dialogue between governments and parliaments, and co-operation between them in everything related to combating terrorism, increasing the participation of women and youth parliamentarians in efforts to suppress terrorism and violent extremism, and raising awareness in this field.
HE the Speaker expressed his hope that the meeting would achieve its desired goals by developing an effective strategy for co-operation and co-ordination in order to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, spare humanity its scourge and dangers, save innocent lives and facilities, create favourable conditions for sustainable development and enhance international peace and security.