Counter-terrorism panel official underlines Qatar’s keenness to enhance global security
HE the Vice-Chairman of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee Major General Nasser Saeed al-Hajri has affirmed Qatar’s keenness on enhancing global security, stability and countering terrorism, through multilateral regional and bilateral co-operation, as well as taking all necessary measures to combat terrorism and to dry up the sources of extremism.
This came during his participation in the parliamentary policy dialogue on border security in the context of counter-terrorism, held in Doha yesterday, and organised by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Doha-based UNOCT Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism, in co-operation with the Shura Council.
The dialogue sought to better understand the international legal framework on border security in this field, to assess key national policies, to consider ongoing good practices and to discuss the role of parliamentary assemblies and national parliaments in this regard.
Maj Gen al-Hajri said during his speech that the National Counter-Terrorism Committee is proud of its effective strategic partnership with UNOCT, which facilitates and strengthens its work of setting counter-terrorism policies under the UN umbrella, pointing out that Qataris are one of the biggest supporters of the UN counter-terrorism offices.
Stemming from Qatar’s belief in the importance of partnership with the international community in reducing the danger of terrorism, these efforts have contributed to the strengthening of international partnership opportunities to combat terrorism, he added.
He added that since its opening in 2020, the UNOCT Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism has succeeded in creating a global platform that brings together academic and parliamentary experts together with security officials and policymakers to enhance security and stability. He stressed Qatar’s aspiration to continue co-operation in implementing the office’s objectives through programmes and conferences dedicated to supporting relevant national bodies.
Maj Gen al-Hajri indicated that, in implementation of Security Council resolutions 2178 (2014), 2396 (2017) and 2482 (2019), Qatar established the national targeting office in 2017, through effective co-operation among all local and international bodies, providing the necessary training to its employees. He pointed to Qatar’s support for the UNOCT’s goTravel programme, due to its importance in helping struggling member states develop their technical and human capabilities.
He added that Qatar has also received more than 12 delegations from various countries and continents, in the spirit of exchanging expertise and experiences with those willing to learn about Qatar’s experience and to benefit from it. Maj Gen al-Hajri said that as this is an era of speed, with ever-advancing technologies, it is necessary to unite interstate efforts and intensify
co-operation via data and information exchange in relation to border protection, especially in view of the return and movement of foreign fighters and their constant search for new conflict areas or safe havens. This is in addition to the movement of suspects having ties to terrorist organisations, and those affiliated with organised crime.
He concluded his speech by invoking Qatar’s 2022 National Day slogan, “Our Unity Source of Our Strength”, which is a quote from a speech by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and which has had a great impact on Qatar’s concerted efforts towards the success of the largest sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. He hoped that all member states’ efforts will be put together to secure borders and combat terrorism.