Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, UK officials discuss boosting cooperation in London

Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, held a series of high-level meetings today in London with officials from the UK Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, and to address the growing threats in the digital space.

During a meeting with Jemima Moree, Director General of the Counter Terrorism Directorate at the UK Home Office, discussions focused on the increasing risks of online extremism and the rapid changes in the digital environment exploited by extremist groups to spread their messages and recruit individuals. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing preventive tools, raising community awareness, and building national capacities to prevent extremism, in addition to adopting comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of ideological extremism alongside security and military measures.

Strengthening partnership and sharing expertise

Al-Moghedi also met with a high-level delegation from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, including Thomas Parry, Director of the National Security and Economic Security Directorate, and Martin Warr, Head of the Counter-Daesh Cell. The meeting discussed developments in terrorist threats regionally and internationally, challenges in confronting terrorist groups—especially Daesh—and ways to enhance coordination and cooperation in training, as well as the exchange of expertise and information.

During the meetings, Al-Moghedi reviewed the coalition’s areas of work, its programs and initiatives to support member states and build their capacities according to their needs. He stressed the importance of international partnerships and integrated efforts to counter the evolving tactics of extremist organizations and the increasing use of digital technologies for recruitment and spreading extremist ideologies.

UK officials commend coalition efforts

Jemima Moree praised the coalition’s efforts in supporting member states, highlighting its contributions in the intellectual field and in combating terrorism financing, and the importance of these efforts in addressing the causes of terrorism and cutting off its resources. The meetings underscored the importance of continued dialogue and sharing of expertise between the coalition and UK agencies, and the need to explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of international efforts in countering terrorism and extremism.

These meetings are part of the coalition’s ongoing efforts to expand its international partnerships and strengthen cooperation with relevant institutions, supporting its mission to assist member states, develop their capabilities, and contribute to regional and international security and stability.