HE GCCSG: Kuwait’s Hosting of 4th High-Level Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation & Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms” Highlights its Standing Internationally & its Efforts to Achieve Regional Stability

Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, and on his behalf, the attendance of His Highness Shaikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the fourth the High-Level Conference on “Strengthening International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Building Agile Border Security Mechanisms – The Kuwait Phase of the Dushanbe Process”, held from November 4-5, 2024.

The conference is organised by the State of Kuwait in cooperation with the Republic of Tajikistan and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), with participation from ministers of various countries and representatives from UN specialised agencies, international and regional organisations, and civil society organisations.

At the beginning of his speech, HE the Secretary General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, for the honourable hosting of this blessed conference, which reflects the significant and valuable efforts made by the State of Kuwait in this field.

His Excellency also mentioned that the State of Kuwait’s hosting of the fourth high-level conference and the participation of numerous countries and organisations affirms its regional and international status, as well as its continuous efforts to achieve security and stability in the region. This important regional conference focuses on border security and combating terrorism, which are vital issues facing our region and the world at large, requiring collective action and ongoing cooperation to confront these growing challenges.

He commented: “Border security forms a fundamental barrier to protecting national and regional security. Its role extends beyond merely maintaining state sovereignty to addressing transnational threats such as arms smuggling, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and financing terrorism. In this context, the GCC countries have taken pioneering steps to enhance border security through the use of the latest technologies and intensifying security cooperation among member states.”

HE the Secretary General pointed out during his speech that, with the rise of regional challenges, the significant efforts made by the GCC countries to combat terrorism in all its forms have become evident.

Elaborating further, he said: “Thanks to the exchange of security information, the development of national legislation to combat the financing of terrorism, and the implementation of programmes to combat extremism, the GCC countries have managed to limit the spread of extremist ideologies and stand against threats to their security. In addition, the GCC countries have been keen to build a common security system through joint security agreements designed to enhance collaboration in border protection and address security threats. These agreements have proven effective through ongoing coordination among member states in monitoring land, sea and air borders.”

Furthermore, His Excellency emphasised the considerable efforts made by the GCC countries to maintain border security and combat terrorism, particularly since they rely on integrated strategies that encompass security cooperation, intelligence coordination, the development of security infrastructure and the training of specialised personnel.

He also reviewed the efforts that solidify Gulf cooperation, including: Firstly, security and intelligence cooperation, as Gulf countries recognise that confronting terrorism requires regional and international coordination and collaboration; Secondly, advanced technology, as Gulf countries seek to adopt the latest technologies for border monitoring, utilising advanced systems such as drones, thermal cameras, and smart sensors to detect any unauthorised infiltration attempts or threats; Thirdly, enhancing border infrastructure, where the GCC invests in developing border infrastructure, either by constructing advanced checkpoints or enhancing logistical capabilities at the borders to ensure rapid response to any emergencies; Fourthly, combating the financing of terrorism, where Gulf countries are diligently working to dry up the sources of financing terrorism by monitoring money flows and identifying suspicious financial operations; Lastly, enhancing cooperation with international organisations, the GCC countries recognise the importance of working within an international system to combat terrorism.

“The GCC countries strive to intensify cooperation with the United Nations, the Security Council, and global counter-terrorism organisations to contribute to maintaining regional and international security and stability. These efforts reiterate the GCC countries’ firm commitment to ensuring security and stability in the region, believing that border security and combating terrorism require an integrated and ongoing strategy that keeps pace with the changing challenges on the international stage,” HE the Secretary General said.

In conclusion of his speech, His Excellency added: “Terrorist threats we face today know no boundaries, necessitating the adoption of comprehensive strategies to combat terrorism. In this regard, the GCC countries have adopted an integrative approach that combines security, intellectual and economic aspects, working to address the root causes of terrorism and extremism. The GCC countries will continue their commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation to address all security challenges and work with their partners to achieve security and stability in the region.”