Defence Minister Inaugurates Regional CT Workshop

Minister of Defence and National Security Hon. Adam Shareef Umar officiated the Opening Session of the "Regional Workshop for South and South East Asian Countries on Effective Central Authorities for Judicial Cooperation in Terrorist Cases," organized by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Counter Terrorism Committee - Executive Directorate (UN CTED). The workshop is being held at Kandooma Maldives, and is scheduled from 7-9 November.

In his Opening Remarks, Minister Adam Shareef Umar welcomed the delegates and participants to the Maldives. He highlighted the important landmarks achievements that Maldives has attained in countering the threat of terrorism and violent extremism under the leadership of His Excellency Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayoom, including the ratification of the Prevention of Terrorism Act in 2015, as well as the establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in 2016.

Defence Minister Adam Shareef also stressed on the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He stated that such cases under adjudication in the national courts often hinged on the availability of evidence from international partners. In this regard, he urged the countries to pursue national legislation as well as mutual legal agreement that would enable better cooperation and facilitate sharing of legal documents. He further urged states and authorities to uphold and maintain the rule of law and ensure respect for the fundamental human rights.

In addition to Minister Adam Shareef, the Regional Representative Mr. Sergey Kapinos from the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia and Ms. Sue Takasu from the UNODC Office in Vienna spoke at the opening session. The workshop participants include 46 delegates from over 16 countries, as well as international organizations.