King Salman bin Abdulaziz: The Kingdom has supported peace efforts and it has established Etidal to combat extremism and terrorism

In a speech during the 75^th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on Wednesday September 23^rd 2020 in New York via video conference, King Salman bin Abdulaziz has reiterated the importance of combating all that resembles extremism, the King said “countries that suffer sectarian divisions and weakness or collapse of state institutions make a fertile ground for terrorist and extremist organizations to sprout and spread”.

King Salman added “If we intend to win in our battle against terrorism, we must not waiver in facing the countries that sponsor terrorism and sectarianism, and we must stand firmly in the face of these countries that promote transnational extremist ideologies, which rely on false political slogans to hide their extremist, chaotic, and destructive nature”.

Excerpts from the King’s speech

– By SPA

1. To achieve success in our battle against terrorism and extremism, we must comprehensively intensify our joint efforts in combating the financing of terrorism and extremism.
2. The Kingdom supported the UN Counter-Terrorism Center with a contribution of US$ 110 million and established the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal) in Riyadh. The Kingdom also hosts the International Terrorist Financing Targeting Center.
3. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bears a special and historical responsibility to protect the tolerant Islamic faith from attempts by terrorist organizations and extremist groups to vilify it.
4. Peace in the Middle East is our strategic option. Our duty is to spare no effort to work together towards achieving a bright future where all nations of the region share and live by peace, stability, prosperity, and coexistence.