An International Counter-Terrorism Center is Needed to Enhance Information Sharing.

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir today renewed the Kingdom’s call for multinational collaboration and information-sharing to improve efforts to combat terrorism and enhance public safety. Ambassador Al-Jubeir said, “Information is one of the most effective weapons in fighting terrorism, and nations committed to combating terrorism must do more to improve the exchange information in order to improve public safety.”

Saudi Arabia has been a consistent proponent of enhancing international cooperation to combat terrorism. In February of 2005, the Kingdom took the initiative by organizing an International Counter-terrorism Conference in Riyadh, which was attended by officials and experts from law enforcement agencies from more than 60 countries. The United States delegation was headed by then-Homeland Security Advisor, Frances F. Townsend.

One of the key recommendations issued by the Riyadh conference was a proposal first articulated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, to establish an International Counter-terrorism Center to serve as a hub for the exchange of information between nations.

Al-Jubeir added, “The purpose of the proposed Center is to enhance the exchange of information between nations in a timely manner so as to allow them to take appropriate measures to face potential threats and to learn from the experiences of others.”

Establishing the proposed Center would facilitate the exchange of information, technology and training needed to confront terrorism. The Center could also serve as a point of coordination for the development of laws and regulations for combating terror and terror financing as well as public education efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of terrorism. It could also recommend effective procedures to enhance public safety in a variety of areas to improve counter-terrorism efforts.

According to Al-Jubeir, “If nations can agree on policies and procedures for protecting public safety and continuously work to improve them by sharing information, experiences and technology, then the security of everyone would be enhanced.”