Saudi Arabia has done its utmost to prevent terrorism within its borders, foreign minister Adel Al Jubeir wrote in an op-ed published by Newseek on Thursday. Al Jubeir pointed to the ongoing national public awareness campaign against extremism and keenness to promote interfaith dialogue. "Whether non-state actors like Al Qaida or Daesh, or state-sponsored extremism from Iran and its proxies, Saudi Arabia has, as much as any other country, a national security incentive to stop the men, the money and the mindset that foments terrorism and violent extremism," he wrote. "Faced with such diverse and dangerous adversaries, Saudi Arabia has spared no effort or expense to combat terrorism. The kingdom is committed to uprooting extremism at the source and draining militant groups of resources." He added that Saudi Arabia has played an important role in the international effort to stamp out extremism, providing $110 million (Dhs 404,024,500) in financial support to help establish the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. The country was also one of the first to fly sorties over Syria. He reaffirmed claims made by interior minister Major General Mansour Al Turki on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia is doing its best to stop terrorism. "The kingdom has implemented one of the world's strictest financial control systems to combat terrorism financing," he said. "Those who accuse Saudi Arabia of supporting violent extremism not only fail to acknowledge the kingdom's leadership in combating terrorism around the world but also do not see that it is illogical and irrational for Saudi Arabia to be anything less than at the forefront of nations combatting this scourge." In response, Saudi Arabia has begun cooperating with the United States and other international partners to intervene in terrorism plots within the country. These "fusion cells" depend upon close relations between law enforcement and intelligence officials from across the world. "It makes no sense for Saudi Arabia to support or condone those who have as their goal the destruction of Saudi Arabia. It is against our values, our faith and our national character," he said. To accuse the kingdom of being lax, much less complicit, when it comes to combatting terrorism and its financing is not only irresponsible but also flies against the face of reality. It is in our national interest to defeat terrorism—and a national priority."
