KUWAIT CITY, Jan 27:  Kuwait confirmed its dedication to supporting international counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the digital space, Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Committee for Implementing UN Security Council Resolutions Ambassador Hamad Al-Mashaan said Tuesday.

Al-Mashaan delivered the remarks at the opening of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) experts’ meeting, titled "Protecting Virtual Spaces through Strategic Communications," hosted by Kuwait for two days. The meeting is part of the East Africa Capacity-Building Working Group’s action plan for 2024-2026, which Kuwait co-chairs with Kenya.

Since joining the forum and assuming co-chairmanship with Kenya over the past two years, Kuwait has actively contributed to implementing the forum’s strategic vision, Al-Mashaan said. He highlighted that digital platforms have become fertile grounds for illicit activities, including the promotion and financing of terrorist organizations, recruitment, and execution of crimes orchestrated online.

The meeting brings together experts from various regions to exchange knowledge and develop effective strategies to counter terrorist threats in the digital domain, whose impacts often extend into the real world, Al-Mashaan added.

This marks the third such GCTF meeting hosted by Kuwait. In October, the country held an experts’ meeting on “Strengthening International Judicial Cooperation and Handling Evidence in Terrorism Cases” with more than 50 participants from 27 countries and organizations. Kuwait also organized a workshop on “De-Disengagement, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration,” which drew over 90 participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives, and international experts.

Al-Mashaan stressed the importance of collective action and integration of expertise to address evolving challenges. He expressed hope that the meeting’s outcomes would strengthen practical cooperation, enhance security in digital and real-world spaces, and establish long-term international partnerships.

Global Counterterrorism Forum Experts Meeting: "Protecting Virtual Spaces through Strategic Communications"