(WASHINGTON, DC) - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting delegates from over 50 countries, including 15 from the Arab World, as well as representatives from several international organizations, for the first Counter-Terrorism International Conference. The event, being held in Riyadh February 5-8, aims to develop specific proposals for improving bilateral, regional and international cooperation on counter-terrorism. The conference will also focus on improving capabilities to combat terror financing, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz will give the inaugural address. A series of workshops will follow, focusing on four themes: terrorist ideology and its roots; the relationship between terrorism, money laundering, and arms and weapons trafficking; the experiences of certain countries in combating terrorism; and terrorist organizations and their composition.

Attending countries include Egypt, Syria, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, Iran, and the Russian Federation. Among the international organizations participating in the event will be the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the African Union. The attendees hope to reach practical conclusions and recommendations to support international efforts in fighting terrorism. A report will also be presented to be used as a foundation for improving future international cooperation.

For more information about the Counter-Terrorism International Conference, please visit the official website www.ctic.org.sa as well as monitoring www.saudiembassy.net.