Kuwait strengthens international counter-terrorism cooperation at Experts Forum
Ambassador Al-Mashaan reiterates Kuwait’s dedication to supporting international counter-terrorism efforts, fostering judicial cooperation, and sharing expertise to tackle terrorism effectively.
Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Security Council Resolutions, Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan, emphasized Kuwait’s continued commitment to supporting international counter-terrorism initiatives.
Speaking at the opening of the International Counter-Terrorism Forum’s experts meeting, he said Kuwait’s hosting of the event reinforces its efforts to enhance global coordination in combating terrorism.
The meeting, titled ‘Enhancing International Judicial Cooperation and Processing Evidence in Terrorism Cases,’ is co-chaired by Kuwait and Kenya, representing the East Africa Task Force of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). It brings together 49 representatives from 27 countries and international organizations.
Ambassador Al-Mashaan highlighted that the forum serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and experiences, aiming to strengthen cooperation between legal and judicial institutions in handling terrorism-related evidence. Such collaboration, he noted, is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of judicial processes worldwide.
Reflecting on Kuwait’s previous contributions, Al-Mashaan recalled the workshop hosted by the country last October, titled ‘Disengagement, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.’
Organized in cooperation with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the event gathered over 90 participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives, and international experts.
He underscored Kuwait’s proactive approach in combating terrorism through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially regarding foreign terrorist fighters. The country has been a key player in international efforts to address the challenges posed by such fighters.
Since 2018, Kuwait has facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,500 foreign terrorist fighters and their families from northeastern Syria, assisting partner countries in returning their citizens safely via Kuwaiti air bases. The State continues to accept requests from countries seeking to evacuate their nationals.
The forum provides a valuable platform to share best practices in investigating and processing evidence in terrorism cases. Ambassador Al-Mashaan stressed that these exchanges contribute to building stronger judicial frameworks and promoting international legal standards.
He also emphasized the importance of joint efforts among countries to ensure that counter-terrorism measures are effective, transparent, and aligned with international law. Collaborative initiatives, he noted, are critical in addressing evolving threats and safeguarding global security.
Participants at the forum are expected to engage in detailed discussions on challenges and solutions, ranging from evidence collection to the prosecution of terrorist cases. These interactions aim to strengthen international networks and enhance the capacity of legal systems worldwide.
In conclusion, Ambassador Al-Mashaan reiterated Kuwait’s dedication to supporting international counter-terrorism efforts, fostering judicial cooperation, and sharing expertise to tackle terrorism effectively. The forum exemplifies Kuwait’s strategic role in promoting global security and stability.
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