Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is committed to the efforts of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh (the so-called IS) and is determined to eliminate the terrorist organization and its cells, said Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday.

Prince Farhan made the remarks during his participation in the mini-ministerial conference of the Global Coalition against Daesh, which was convened virtually in the presence of representatives of 30 countries.

Addressing the participants in the meeting, Prince Farhan said: "We in Saudi Arabia are ready to share our experiences in combating terrorism and extremism, preventing their financing and promoting the values of tolerance and openness. In this regard, I would like to cite the work of the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), chaired by Saudi Arabia, the US, and Italy, and its continuous efforts to eliminate funding sources of Daesh and its affiliates. In our meeting in Copenhagen last January, we affirmed the importance of preventing the exploitation of reconstruction funds.”

He added: “In our meeting in Copenhagen last January, we affirmed the importance of preventing the exploitation of reconstruction funds. I will draw your attention toward the group’s focused efforts on the African continent, utilizing all available tools from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the listings implemented by the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) in Riyadh. In addition, Saudi Arabia continues its contribution to the efforts of the Coalition in West Africa and Sahel regions.”

“Our collective efforts produced significant results in combating ISIS. However, we are extremely worried by the lack of political solutions to the crises in our region, and by the external support given to sectarian militias that promote hatred and extremism. These threats provide terrorist organizations, including ISIS, with opportunities of regrouping and mobilization. We must work together to face these threats in a relentless and serious manner,” Prince Farhan added.

The foreign minister offered his congratulations on the formation of the new Iraqi Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, affirming the Kingdom's support to the Iraqi people and its keenness to cooperate with the new Iraqi government to help it achieve prosperity, security and stability within the country and the region as a whole.

At the beginning of his speech, the minister expressed his sincere thanks to United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Luigi Di Maio, for holding the important meeting. He added that since this meeting comes in light of what the world is facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it provides a clear confirmation of our joint resolve to continue our collective efforts within the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.