Egypt: Regional Forum on Terrorism Recommends Enhancing Security Institutions

The capabilities of security institutions combating terrorism must be enhanced and mechanisms must be established to put an end to some countries’ regional interventions, a regional Arab-African forum held in Cairo recommended.

The third edition of the forum, “Terrorism and Regional Interventions and their Effects on Arab and African Security and Culture,” was held on Tuesday with the participation of officials and specialists from 16 Arab and African countries.

At the closing ceremony, the Forum announced several recommendations, namely establishing an international center for studies to address crises, especially in the Arab world and Africa.

In addition, it called for resolving “regional interventions of some countries in Arab and African affairs,” and establishing a committee, led by the Arab League and African Union, to address the meddling.

The Forum also called for forming a partnership with civil society, especially the youth and women, saying they are an important ally in the fight against terror, and urging young people to beware of the dangers of terrorism.

The Forum asked governments and African and Arab elite to set mechanisms to execute the recommendations.

Participants condemned the Sept. 14 terrorist attacks on Aramco’s oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, saying they affect all Arab countries. They stressed that the attacks must be confronted firmly.

The participants said it has become clear that Turkey is attempting to intervene in Arab affairs after failing to use political Islam and the Arab Spring to impose its influence, which must be addressed.