Cairo: The Arab Interior Ministers' Council (AIMC) has prioritized the fight against extremism and terrorism to safeguard regional security and stability, according to Secretary-General Mohammad Bin Ali Kuman. In a statement on Sunday, Kuman emphasized the need for increased cooperation among Arab nations to tackle these pressing security challenges.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Kuman made these remarks during the commencement of the Arab Week for Awareness of the Dangers of Extremism and Terrorism, which began on January 1. He highlighted the occasion as an opportunity to promote programs that raise public awareness about the threats extremism and terrorism pose to international peace and security.
Kuman elaborated on AIMC's efforts to enhance collaboration among its member states in combating extremism and terrorism. This is being achieved through various programs, strategic plans, specialized teams, and databases. He underscored that terrorism is a grave crime that not only threatens individuals but also the community at large, causing extensive human and material damage.
He further warned that terrorism represents a significant violation of human rights and freedoms, promotes hate speech and discrimination, causes damage to property and infrastructure, and hampers economic growth and development. Moreover, it has enduring psychological and social impacts.
Kuman advocated for an integrated approach to combat extremism, involving both individual and collective actions, within the framework of the updated Arab strategy adopted in 2022. This strategy was the first regional effort aligned with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006. The AIMC endorsed the executive plan for this Arab strategy in 2023, Kuman noted.