RIYADH, Feb 4: Delegates from over 60 countries have gathered in the Saudi capital for a four-day 'International Conference on Countering Terrorism' starting Saturday, which will focus on developing a mechanism to tackle the menace.

Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz will inaugurate the high-profile conference which is the first of its kind to discuss the dangerous phenomenon of terrorism. The organizers have completed all arrangements to hold the conference in a befitting manner and amidst tight security and precautionary measures to thwart any sabotage attempt.

The problem of terrorism is not just confined to a few countries but had become a global threat over the years and needed stringent measures to be rooted out. A draft declaration will be approved after delegates finalize recommendations during their four-day deliberations.

According to the conference sources, the delegates will share their experiences and views on this important issue and come up with concrete proposals and recommendations to set the future course for eliminating terrorism.

The main objective of the conference is to highlight the kingdom's role in fighting terrorism and shed light on the concepts of terrorism, its different names and destructive evolution from the cultural, intellectual and historical perspectives.

The conference also aims at highlighting the relationship between terrorism, drug trafficking, weapon smuggling and money laundering. It will also evaluate efforts mounted by other countries to counter terrorism and violence and draw lessons from their experience.

A senior official from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Information and Culture said the conference would provide an opportunity to all to benefit from the experience and expertise of other countries in combating terrorism. -APP