Saudi Foreign Minister: It is in our national interest to defeat terrorism

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir reiterated the Kingdom's firm commitment to defeat terrorism in an op-ed published by Newsweek today, titled "The Saudis Are Fighting Terrorism, Don't Believe Otherwise."

"Multiple actors—each with their own motives—have targeted the kingdom, seeking to destabilize the country and terrorize the Saudi people. So it is in our national interest to defeat terrorism—and a national priority," wrote Minister Al-Jubeir.

He continued, "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."

Minister Al-Jubeir stressed that Saudi Arabia is sparing no expense to combat terrorism and all its sources.

"Whether non-state actors like Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State militant group (ISIS), 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 stated.

The foreign minister also addressed the Kingdom's efforts to cooperate with international partners, including the UN.

The op-ed can be read here.

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office