Statement by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal to the Global Forum on Counter-Terrorism
New York
Thursday, 22 September 2011
In The Name of Allah Most Merciful Most Graceful

Her Excellency, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States of America,
His Excellency, Ahmet Davutoglu, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey
Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.

In 2005, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia introduced the initiative to host the first Global Conference on Counter-Terrorism, in Riyadh. More than 60 countries and a number of regional and global organizations participated in this conference.

This conference came as a result of the growing threat of terrorism to the global community, including Saudi Arabia, which has also been a victim; due to its well known position which has condemned terrorism in all its forms, regardless of its origins, purpose, religion or race. This conference came about due to the realization of the international community of its responsibility to counter this dangerous phenomenon, which is one of the greatest challenges to the world today, threatening the safety and security of its people.

Today, the Kingdom's participation in this Global Forum stems from these principles, as well as its unyielding support for and cooperation with international efforts to counter terrorism.

Your Excellencies,

The domestic achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in combating terrorism came as the natural consequence of the Saudi public's rejection of this phenomenon, which is abhorrent to their culture and beliefs. The Saudi people stood solidly united behind their leadership in this matter. International cooperation is imperative in dealing with this phenomenon in all its aspect; security, ideology and funding. Such cooperation is bound to have a positive impact upon the security and the safety of all mankind and will preserve their achievements and pre-empt every attempt to hold global development.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia applauds the inauguration of the International Counter-Terrorism Center. My country has subsequently donated ten million dollars to cover its budget for the next three years. The initiative for this Center was conceived at the 2005 Riyadh Conference to Counter-Terrorism, which received overwhelming international support.

The Kingdom also welcomes the establishment of the International Forum of Counter-Terrorism with its objective to re-activating the role of the existing organizations in the war against terrorism, whether channeled through the United Nations as part of its strategy to counter terrorism in the year 2006, or through their other global entities.

Based on my country's vision, we underscore the importance of collaboration and consistency between the Forum and the Center of Counter-Terrorism, with the common goal of exchanging expertise and information, as well as enhancing capabilities. Ultimately, this will merge international efforts to eradicate terrorism and uproot it.

In closing, I would like to express my thanks and extend appreciation to the government of the United States of America, member Governments of the forum, the Presidency, and the hosting of the working groups. I would also like to commend the adoption of the founding documents, preserving geographical diversity and its membership. Undoubtedly, this should reinforce our joint and collective responsibility to counter terrorism.