Saudi counter-extremism center chief visits Iraq for talks on ‘common enemy’ of extremism

Secretary-general of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal), Dr. Mansour Al-Shammari, arrived in Iraq on an official visit that will include joint meetings and discussions focused on combating extremism.

The Iraqi national security adviser Qasim Al-Araji received the secretary-general and the accompanying delegation on Monday in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to Iraq, Abdul Aziz Al-Shammari.

Al-Araji praised the growth of Iraqi-Saudi relations, and lauded Etidal’s efforts to combat extremism.

“Iraq has a rich experience in the field of combating terrorism, which can be utilized to combat extremist ideology,” the secretary-general said.

He added: “Etidal, with the tools and competencies it possesses, is at the service of Iraq and ready to support its efforts in the field of combating the thoughts and ideologies of extremist and terrorist organizations.”

Al-Shammari was also received by Abdul Ghani Al-Asadi, head of the National Security Service, for discussions on joint cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest as well as ways to exchange, support and promote expertise.

Al-Asadi commended Etidal’s role in combating extremist ideology, saying that he looked forward to additional joint action and expertise exchange in order to “deal with this ideology and lead our society, current and future generations to safety.”

“Extremist ideology is the common enemy that we are combating together. We are happy to enhance cooperation to protect the current and future generations from its dangers,” Al-Shammari said.

He also visiterd Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies, where he met with Ali Nasser, the center’s director-general, and officials.

Etidal’s delegation was briefed on efforts by the center’s departments, and held joint discussions on furthering cooperation between the two sides.