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- Huneiti, GIFCT official discuss cybersecurity, digital counterterrorism efforts
AMMAN — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Ahmed Huneiti on Tuesday met with a delegation from the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, headed by Senator Angus King.
During the meeting, which was attended by the US Defence Attaché and several senior officers from the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), Huneiti and the visiting delegation discussed several issues of mutual interest, as well as the latest regional and international developments and joint efforts to advance the shared interests of the armed forces in both friendly countries.
Huneiti underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the US, expressing appreciation for the continued support and strong cooperation in various military and defence fields, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Members of the delegation commended Jordan’s efforts, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, in promoting international peace and security. They also affirmed the Kingdom’s key role in strengthening regional and international stability.
Also on Tuesday, Huneiti received Membership and Programmes Director at the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) Erin Saltman.
During the meeting, attended by several senior officers, discussions focused on joint cooperation in countering digital terrorism and enhancing the partnership in confronting the use of cyberspace by terrorist and extremist groups.
The two sides also explored the exchange of expertise and the implementation of capacity-building programmes in this vital field, Petra reported.
Huneiti emphasised the importance of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements in information security and highlighted the pivotal role of the JAF in safeguarding the national cyberspace from various threats.
Saltman expressed her appreciation for Jordan’s leadership in combating extremism and terrorism, affirming GIFCT’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the JAF in areas such as training, awareness, and digital media.
Saltman toured the Royal Jordanian National Defence College, where she delivered a lecture to students enrolled in the Master’s Programme on Strategies for Countering Extremism and Terrorism. The lecture was attended by the college commandant, faculty, and staff.
Saltman also emphasised the importance of cyber resilience and addressing technological terrorism, particularly the use of digital platforms by terrorist groups. She also highlighted the role of social media and communication tools in both spreading and countering extremist ideologies.
She also noted that GIFCT works to identify and understand the sources of terrorism and terrorist behaviour, especially in the context of highly advanced digital platforms managed by a small number of actors with malign agendas, adding that these platforms allow for the rapid dissemination and circulation of extremist content.
She also underlined the importance of raising public awareness and shielding communities, especially youth and children, from harmful content disseminated by terrorist organisations through various online platforms.
The GIFCT is an international initiative that brings together experts and stakeholders to promote cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism online.