NATO pledged on Thursday to strengthen its cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED) and support UN efforts to combat terrorism, including the threat of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).
“Terrorism is a global threat that knows no border, nationality or religion, and is a challenge that the international community must tackle together”, Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, Head of NATO’s Emerging Security Challenges Division, told the Counter-Terrorism Committee at a meeting in New York on 6 November 2014.
NATO would keep terrorism and related threats high on its security agenda. Although NATO did not see itself in a leading role on counter-terrorism, its strengths would continue to be used to support UN-led global efforts.
“It is essential that our staff liaise closely and that at this level we exchange views, and regularly brief each other on developments within our respective organizations”, he added.
At its recent Wales Summit, NATO decided to strengthen cooperation on intelligence and information sharing to counter the threat of FTFs.
NATO stood ready to support the Committee’s work wherever appropriate, by sharing best practices and expertise, providing support for its country visits, and participating in its special meetings.
In a further sign of NATO’s commitment to increased cooperation, Ambassador Ducaru invited the CTC Chair, H.E. Ms. Raimonda Murmokaité, to brief NATO on the Committee’s work.
Members of the Committee welcomed the continuation of cooperation between the two organizations aimed at meeting new and emerging terrorist challenges.