Etidal Chief Meets Malaysian Ambassador to Boost Counter-Extremism Ties

Riyadh, September 19, 2024 — The Secretary-General of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology (Etidal), Mansour Al-Shammari, received the Malaysian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh today. The meeting focused on topics of mutual interest related to combating extremist thought and promoting tolerance, moderation, and coexistence, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Context and Background

Etidal, based in Riyadh, was established in 2017 as an international center dedicated to countering extremist ideologies. It works with governments, international organizations, and civil society to develop strategies that undermine the spread of extremism and its destructive effects on societies. The center is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to promote peace and stability both regionally and globally.

Malaysia and Saudi Arabia maintain strong bilateral relations, with cooperation extending across economic, educational, and security domains. This meeting underscores the shared commitment of both nations to address extremism through dialogue and collaborative action. Ambassador Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, who assumed his post in 2022, has been actively engaged in strengthening ties between Kuala Lumpur and Riyadh.

Key Details

During the meeting, Secretary-General Al-Shammari briefed the Malaysian delegation on Etidal’s efforts in addressing extremist ideologies and mitigating their effects. The discussion highlighted the center’s use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to monitor and analyze extremist content online. Etidal also promotes the principles of tolerance, moderation, and coexistence through educational programs and international partnerships.

The delegation was introduced to Etidal’s various initiatives, such as the ‘Etidal Index’ that measures extremist discourse, and its collaboration with entities like the United Nations to counter terrorism. The ambassador expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this field and discussed potential avenues for Malaysia to benefit from Etidal’s expertise.

Implications and Impact

This meeting reflects the growing international recognition of Etidal as a leading voice in the fight against extremism. By engaging with Malaysia, Saudi Arabia reinforces its role as a global partner in promoting peace and security. The exchange of knowledge and best practices between the two countries could lead to enhanced counter-extremism strategies in Southeast Asia, a region that faces its own challenges with radicalization.

Furthermore, the collaboration aligns with the objectives of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and contributes to international efforts to prevent violent extremism. It also strengthens the diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, paving the way for further cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism financing and deradicalization programs.

For Saudi Arabia, such engagements are part of its Vision 2030 goal of fostering a moderate and tolerant society. By sharing its experiences, the Kingdom not only bolsters its global standing but also contributes to a more stable and secure world.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of moderation and tolerance as pillars of a prosperous society. Etidal’s work directly supports this vision by combating extremist ideologies and promoting coexistence. The meeting with the Malaysian ambassador exemplifies how Saudi Arabia leverages its institutions to build international partnerships that advance shared security and development goals. As the Kingdom continues to modernize and open up to the world, such collaborations highlight its commitment to global peace and its leadership in fostering moderate values.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Etidal and when was it established?

A1. Etidal, the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, is an international center based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was established in 2017 to counter extremist ideologies through research, technology, and partnerships, promoting tolerance and moderation worldwide.

Q2. Who received the Malaysian Ambassador in Riyadh?

A2. Mansour Al-Shammari, Secretary-General of Etidal, received Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah and his delegation on September 19, 2024, at Etidal’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Q3. What was the main topic of discussion?

A3. The meeting focused on topics of mutual interest related to combating extremist thought and enhancing cooperation in promoting tolerance, moderation, and coexistence between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

Q4. What did the Malaysian delegation learn about Etidal’s efforts?

A4. The delegation was briefed on Etidal’s initiatives to address extremist ideologies, mitigate their effects, and promote coexistence, including the use of advanced technologies to counter extremist content online.

Q5. How does Etidal use technology in its work?

A5. Etidal employs artificial intelligence and data analysis to monitor and analyze extremist discourse online, helping to identify and counter radicalization efforts and support deradicalization programs.

Q6. What is the significance of this meeting for Saudi-Malaysia relations?

A6. It strengthens bilateral ties and opens avenues for collaboration in counter-extremism, enhancing diplomatic and security cooperation between the two nations.

Q7. How does Etidal promote moderation and tolerance?

A7. Etidal promotes moderation through educational programs, international partnerships, and initiatives like the ‘Etidal Index,’ which measures extremist discourse and advocates for coexistence and mutual respect.

Q8. What is the Etidal Index?

A8. The Etidal Index is a tool developed by Etidal to measure and analyze extremist discourse, helping policymakers and researchers understand and counter radicalization trends effectively.

Q9. Which international organizations does Etidal collaborate with?

A9. Etidal collaborates with entities such as the United Nations and various governments to counter terrorism and violent extremism, sharing expertise and best practices globally.

Q10. How does this meeting align with Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a moderate and tolerant society by showcasing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in countering extremism and building international partnerships for global peace.

Q11. What role does Malaysia play in countering extremism?

A11. Malaysia actively counters extremism through deradicalization programs and regional cooperation, and seeks to learn from Saudi Arabia’s expertise to enhance its own strategies.

Q12. What are the expected outcomes of this meeting?

A12. The meeting is expected to lead to increased cooperation between Etidal and Malaysian authorities, including potential joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and enhanced counter-extremism efforts in Southeast Asia.

Q13. How does Etidal measure the impact of its programs?

A13. Etidal uses metrics such as the reduction of extremist content online, changes in public discourse, and feedback from partners to assess the effectiveness of its programs.

Q14. What is Saudi Arabia’s stance on extremism?

A14. Saudi Arabia strongly condemns extremism and terrorism, promoting moderation, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue as part of its domestic and foreign policies.

Q15. How can other countries benefit from Etidal’s expertise?

A15. Other countries can engage with Etidal through partnerships, training programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to develop their own counter-extremism strategies and programs.

Q16. What is the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology’s mission?

A16. Etidal’s mission is to combat extremist ideologies, mitigate their effects, and promote tolerance, moderation, and coexistence globally through research, technology, and collaboration.

Q17. How does Etidal engage with youth?

A17. Etidal engages youth through educational campaigns, social media outreach, and programs that promote critical thinking and resilience against radicalization.

Q18. What challenges does Etidal face in combating extremism?

A18. Challenges include the evolving nature of online radicalization, the need for international cooperation, and adapting to new technologies used by extremist groups.

Q19. What is the role of the Malaysian Ambassador in this meeting?

A19. Ambassador Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah represented Malaysia, expressing interest in Etidal’s work and discussing potential collaboration to benefit Malaysia’s counter-extremism efforts.

Q20. How does this meeting reflect Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting global security and moderation, positioning the Kingdom as a key partner in international efforts to combat extremism and foster peace.

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