New York/Information Office/ 23 February 2017/Qatar's permanent representative to the United Nations HE Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said today that the State of Qatar remains committed to all the UN's counter-terrorism efforts.

HE the Ambassador praised the working plans of national and regional entities concerned with counter-terrorism and preventing extremism. Her Excellency said that violent extremism is one of the biggest security challenges facing the world. Qatar's permanent representative stressed the need for strong measures taken at the national, regional, and international levels. HE the Ambassador also highlighted the important role that sustainable development and human rights can play in counter-terrorism efforts.

Qatar's Permanent Ambassador also stressed that extremism cannot be defeated without partnership between the UN and its member countries as well as NGOs. Her Excellency highlighted Qatar's commitment to all of the UN's counter-terrorism efforts. The country was also keen on cooperating with all international authorities to end violent extremism, the Ambassador added. She also reviewed many of Qatar's efforts to quell the threat of terrorism, including strategic partnership agreements signed with the UN on that field.

For his part, HE Foreign Minister's special envoy on counterterrorism and disputes' settlements Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani warned of linking between violence and terrorism on one side, and religion or other beliefs and ideologies on the other. He expressed regret at the increased tendency of linking terrorism and extremism to a religion.

He stressed on the importance of dialogue on a national, regional, and international level in protection against extremism. He highlighted the role that the Doha Center for interfaith Dialogue in promoting a spirit of understanding between different cultures and faiths.