Riyadh, Feb 04, 2024, The concluding statement from the second meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) was issued on Saturday, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions and agreements reached. The key points from the statement are summarized as follows:
Held in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, the second meeting of the IMCTC defense ministers was in response to an invitation from Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Council of Defense Ministers of the IMCTC. The defense ministers expressed their appreciation for Prince Khalid's commitment, as conveyed in his speech, to activate the Coalition's efforts to safeguard member countries' security, preserve stability, and ensure the safety of their citizens.
Member states voiced their support for the emphasis placed by the Saudi Defense Minister and Chairman of the Council on the importance of a unified stance among member states in condemning Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The defense ministers emphasized their countries' determination to enhance cooperation, coordinate efforts, and unite against the risks of terrorism, underscoring the importance of joint collective action to confront various forms of terrorism and extremism. They expressed satisfaction with the progress in the Coalition's journey, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing efforts in the war against terrorism through organized collective action and comprehensive planning, aligned with plans and initiatives supporting the Coalition's key areas.
Briefed on the Coalition’s methodology and initiatives, designed based on member states' needs and representatives within the Coalition, the defense ministers recognized the importance of activating initiatives aimed at combating terrorism in its various aspects. As a result, they agreed to launch a fund dedicated to receiving financial contributions from member states, supporting countries, and international bodies.
The attendees commended the consensus achieved in the meeting, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts to achieve the Coalition's goals in combating terrorism. This collaboration will involve the Coalition's members and existing partnerships with supportive friendly countries and international organizations concerned with combating terrorism, adhering to the principles of international legitimacy. The defense ministers also expressed a welcoming stance towards countries desiring to join the Coalition in the future.
In conclusion, the defense ministers extended sincere thanks and appreciation to the countries contributing to the fund for financing initiatives. They reiterated gratitude for the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in establishing and supporting the Coalition, allowing it to continue its planned journey. Furthermore, they appreciated the Kingdom for hosting the second meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the IMCTC, expressing thanks to the Saudi Minister of Defense for dedicated efforts ensuring the meeting's success and positive outcomes achieved.
