RIYADH: A centre for combating extremist ideology was inaugurated in Riyadh yesterday.
It’s part of an agreement signed between the GCC and the US to work more closely to clamp down on terror, choke off funding for extremist groups and prosecute donors.
The memorandum of understanding in this regard was signed during talks between President Donald Trump and Gulf leaders in Riyadh yesterday, on the final day of the US president’s visit to Saudi Arabia.
His Majesty King Hamad led Bahrain’s delegation to the talks.
Leaders and officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait discussed threats to regional security and stability, Iranian influence in the region and Yemen.
They also discussed the building of stronger commercial ties between the US and the Gulf.
King Salman and President Trump inaugurated the Global Centere for Combating Extremist Ideology, which will counter and prevent the spread of terrorist ideology by promoting moderation, compassion and supporting the dissemination of positive dialogue.
His Majesty took part in the inauguration. He was welcomed on arrival by Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology secretary general Dr Nasser Al Baqmi addressed the ceremony.
He stressed the importance of the facility which “represents a pioneering step” to confront extremism and subversive ideas.
A documentary film highlighting the multi-phased project was showed on the occasion.
The leaders then proceeded to the command room where the Saudi King and President Trump pressed the button, signalling the official inauguration of the centre.
The King hailed the positive initiative, stressing the importance of the centre which, he said, will foster the concepts of moderation, fraternity and harmony and combat extremism.
He wished the “milestone” success in disseminating the culture of tolerance and spreading peace.
His Majesty congratulated Saudi Arabia on the establishment of the centre.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia and the US agreed a “Joint Strategic Vision Declaration” covering aspects like diplomacy, trade, security and the fight against terror.
It was co-signed by King Salman and Trump at the Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
The White House said in a statement that the declaration reflects the two countries’ efforts to boost “their strategic partnership for the 21st century” and to chart “a renewed path towards a peaceful Middle East where economic development, trade and diplomacy are hallmarks of regional and global engagement.”
Trump separately met Kuwaiti Amir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Qatari Amir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on the sidelines of the summit.
He hailed Sisi for doing “a tremendous job under trying circumstances.”
Trump promised to schedule a trip to Egypt soon.