Two weeks after the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated in Brussels, Belgium, Europe and the international community are still mourning the victims of this injudicious barbarism. Saudi Arabia shares Belgium its grief and expresses its heartfelt condolences for the 32 victims who lost their lives in these abject terrorist acts perpetrated in the city of Brussels. We grieve with the families of the three hundred injured victims who are striving to recover from their injuries. These heinous and cowardly acts are insulting the Islamic religion to which the terrorists claim their belonging and devotion. The primary objective of these terrorists is to spread hatred, create commotion in society, and sedition between friends. However, we will not tolerate their acts.

It is time for all states, international organizations and actors to stand united to face this threat and avoid further bloodshed. We must strive to save the world from this bane, which aims to sow fear and mistrust, through close international cooperation and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.

Saudi Arabia has constantly defended its stance in condemning and denouncing terrorism in all its forms and aspects. These are not just hollow words. In order to face this significant terrorist threat, of which the Kingdom itself was victim, and which aimed to destabilize the country and instill fear in the hearts of the Saudis; the kingdom has taken steps and measures to counter radicalism and terrorism regardless of the motives and beliefs or the nationality of the perpetrator, whether it was al Qaeda or Daesh or any other radical individuals or terrorists pillared by any State. The international community must unite their efforts to counter terrorism and its financing and to eradicate extremist ideologies from their roots.

The government of the Kingdom has exercised due diligence to fight against terrorism, through arresting on its territory individuals accused of terrorism in order to be judged in the courts of law and by imposing sanctions on all individuals implicated in terrorist plots and operations. The application of strict financial controls, has contributed to stop the flow of funds to the terrorists. Fundraising has been prohibited in mosques and public places as well as international financial transfers by Saudi charities to ensure that no financial support flows are reaching the terrorists.

Within its efforts, Saudi Arabia launched a national and extensive campaign in 2005 in order to eradicate the problem of terrorism. The aim of this campaign, which is still implemented, is to enhance the level of awareness of the threats of extremist perceptions. The European countries could benefit, through cooperation, from the Saudi experience in countering terrorism and radical ideology, in taking advantage of the experience of the Prince Mohammed bin Nayef Counselling and Care Center, which aims to rehabilitate radicals; and the Assakina Campaign for dialogue that seeks to correct misconceptions of Islamic law interpretations, and reject extremism and recommend moderation.

At the international level, Saudi Arabia encourages dialogue between advocates of different religions and cultures to promote peaceful coexistence in its community. The king Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center for interreligious and intercultural dialogue based in Vienna (KAICIID) is considered as an intellectual and an international center founded by Saudi Arabia amongst other countries, it aims to promote justice, peace and compromises and to combat against the use of religion to justify violence. Moreover, the Kingdom contributed with $ 110 million to play a key and decisive role in the establishment of the International Centre for the fight against terrorism under the umbrella of the United Nations. This center is lining up with the activities of the Member States efforts to address the extremist ideology, which is a breeding ground for terrorism and its capacity building. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced last year the creation of the Islamic military alliance of 39 Muslim countries aiming to counter terrorism and radicalism through informative, financial, military and intellectual initiatives.

Saudi Arabia is strongly resisting every violent radical movement, regardless of its religion or ideology. The Kingdom is leading an international coalition to combat the terrorist organizations, including the fight against Daesh in Syria and in other countries. Moreover, Saudi Arabia will continue its role in promoting political stability in the region and work in collaboration with its international partners to enhance international peace and long-term security and reduce the threat of committing further violence.

* An article published by the Belgian newspaper De knack.

** Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and head of the Kingdom Mission to the European Union.

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