Nabih Shequem, Minister of Culture of Jordan, has paid a visit to Hedayah, the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, to discuss the need for cooperation to counter violent extremism and potential areas of collaboration.

Maqsoud Kruse, Executive Director of Hedayah, Ivo Veenkamp, Deputy Executive Director and Wedad Al Hassen, Senior Programme Associate, welcomed the Jordanian Minister and his delegation, including Jumaa Abbadi, Ambassador of Jordan to the UAE.

Mr. Kruse briefed the Jordanian Minister on the centre’s mission, goals and its achievements. Kruse’s introduction also included the current initiatives and activities of Hedayah’s three programme departments: Dialogue and Communications, Capacity Building Programmes and Research and Analysis.

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Hedayah Chairman, highlighted the strategic importance of the ongoing cooperation between Hedayah and Jordan on matters related to the prevention and countering of violent extremism in all of its forms and manifestations.

Mr. Shequem commended the leading roles of the UAE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which have, he said, contributed greatly to broadening the country's international role on CVE at both the regional and international levels.

With the support of the UAE and Member States of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum, GCTF, Hedayah has contributed to the advancement of the international community’s efforts in countering violent extremism.