UAE Enhances Commitment to Counter-Terrorism at BRICS Meeting

At the 11th Annual Meeting of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group, held on May 21 and 22 in New Delhi, India, the United Arab Emirates took part in discussions marking a significant decade of counter-terrorism efforts.

Leading the UAE delegation was His Excellency Maqsood Kruse, the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.

Throughout the meeting, the UAE reiterated its steadfast commitment to collaborating internationally to combat terrorism and violent extremism, emphasizing the need to confront evolving threats from terrorist and extremist organizations.

In his remarks, Kruse expressed gratitude to India for hosting the event and congratulated the nation on its upcoming BRICS chairmanship in 2026. He underlined the necessity of global dialogue and cooperative action to address the fast-changing security landscape.

Kruse pointed out that terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting cyberspace, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies for recruitment, spreading extremist beliefs, and financing their operations. He called for urgent international cooperation to mitigate these risks.

He noted that to effectively tackle terrorism, a thorough and multifaceted approach is paramount, addressing immediate threats while also confronting the root causes of extremism.

According to Kruse, the UAE’s strategy prioritizes long-term preventive actions along with practical initiatives targeting the core issues of hatred, intolerance, and terrorism. He emphasized the UAE’s hosting of established institutions aimed at prevention and global collaboration.

In collaboration with China as co-chairs of the BRICS Sub-Working Group on Preventing the Misuse of the Internet for Terrorist Purposes, the UAE delegation presented a paper proposing methods to enhance global cooperation against the exploitation of digital platforms by terrorists.

Additionally, the delegation showcased a case study illustrating the UAE’s initiatives to combat terrorism financing through comprehensive legislative and institutional frameworks that adhere to international standards. The UAE reaffirmed its staunch rejection of terrorism in all forms.

Kruse advocated for a comprehensive international approach that integrates security, development, and human rights, urging improved intelligence sharing, stronger cybersecurity collaborations, and enhanced coordination around virtual assets and decentralized finance to prevent terrorism financing.

During the meeting's sidelines, the UAE delegation engaged in bilateral talks with representatives from India, Russia, and China to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange in countering terrorism.

In conclusion, the UAE reaffirmed its dedication to actively collaborating with BRICS member states and partners in a unified effort to eradicate international terrorism while fostering global peace, stability, and security.