NEW DELHI — The United Arab Emirates took part in the 11th Annual BRICS Counter-Terrorism Group Meeting held in New Delhi on 21–22 May, marking the 10th anniversary of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group.
The UAE delegation was led by Maqsoud Kruse, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.
In its intervention, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation against extremism and terrorism, and to addressing evolving threats posed by terrorist organisations.
Kruse thanked India for its chairmanship of BRICS and for hosting the meeting, stressing the importance of sustained international dialogue and coordinated responses to security challenges.
He warned that extremist groups are increasingly exploiting cyberspace, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to recruit followers, finance activities and spread propaganda, calling for deeper global coordination to counter such risks.
Kruse said effective counter-terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate threats and underlying drivers of radicalisation.
He added that the UAE pursues a long-term prevention strategy combining practical interventions with efforts to address the root causes of extremism, hate and intolerance, noting that the country hosts several internationally recognised initiatives in this field.
As part of its co-chairmanship with China of the BRICS sub-working group on preventing the misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes, the UAE presented a concept paper on strengthening cooperation against the exploitation of digital platforms and emerging technologies.
The delegation also outlined a case study on combating terrorist financing through legal and institutional frameworks aligned with international standards, reiterating the UAE’s rejection of extremism in all forms.
Kruse called for a coordinated international approach integrating security, development and human rights, and urged stronger intelligence sharing, cybersecurity cooperation and oversight of virtual assets and decentralised financial systems.
On the sidelines, the UAE held bilateral meetings with delegations from India, Russia and China to explore enhanced cooperation and exchange best practices in counter-terrorism.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with BRICS members and partners to advance global efforts against terrorism and promote international peace and security.- WAM
