Istanbul: The State of Qatar, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, is committed to a comprehensive approach in countering terrorism and violent extremism. This strategy focuses on addressing the root causes through development, justice, and adherence to international law, as affirmed by HE Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Ghanim emphasized Qatar’s dedication to supporting education, funding development programs, and providing job opportunities for the youth in conflict-affected areas as crucial components of its fight against extremist ideologies. He spoke at the opening session of the Global Parliamentary Conference on Counter-Terrorism in Istanbul, Turkiye, which saw participation from various parliamentary speakers, legislative council representatives, and international organizations.
The conference arrives at a pivotal moment, underscoring the urgent need to unify global efforts, bolster international peace and security, and collaborate in combating terrorism, which threatens societal stability and obstructs development opportunities, Al Ghanim highlighted.
Qatar’s anti-terrorism policy extends beyond security measures, addressing economic, social, and political factors that foster marginalization and exclusion, the conditions in which extremist ideologies flourish. Doha is also gearing up to host the second World Summit for Social Development in November, in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), aiming to invest in people and institutions through a parliamentary forum.
Al Ghanim pointed out the enduring practices of the Israeli occupation as another form of terrorism, accusing occupation forces of committing massacres in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, in violation of international law. He noted that Israel’s aggression has even targeted Qatar, which is actively mediating international efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
His Excellency urged the international community to act against such violations, hold Israel accountable, and consider suspending the Israeli Knesset’s membership in international parliamentary organizations until it adheres to international law.
Qatar prioritizes counter-terrorism in its foreign policy, actively engaging in international coalitions and supporting development programs addressing terrorism’s root causes. Doha hosts the Office of Parliamentary Participation in Preventing and Combating Terrorism in partnership with the United Nations, serving as a platform to coordinate international parliamentary efforts.
Al Ghanim called for intensified efforts and collaboration with this office to achieve global peace and security, stressing the need for a comprehensive international definition of terrorism. Parliamentary unity remains crucial in enhancing international cooperation, ensuring peace, and securing future generations, he concluded.
HE Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, Numan Kurtulmus, praised the strategic cooperation between Qatar and Turkiye. He highlighted the necessity of collective global action to counter terrorism, criticizing nations that support terrorism through proxy wars and condemning Israeli state terror against Palestinians.
The conference, organized in partnership with the Doha-based UN Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, aims to strengthen the role of parliaments in combating terrorism through legislative and oversight frameworks. It includes discussions on defining terrorism, the link between terrorism and organized crime, and the impact of conflicts on extremism, concluding with recommendations for the next UN counter-terrorism strategy.