Rotterdam mayor at White House on anti-terrorism talks

Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb is heading to the United States to participate in a four-day conference on tackling radicalization and violent extremism, De Telegraaf reports. The conference starts on Tuesday and will happen in the White House.

A spokesperson for the mayor has confirmed Aboutaleb's visit to the White House. Numerous ministers and senior officials of the United Nations (UN) will attend the conference. Aboutaleb and the mayors of Paris and Vilvoorde are the only European guests scheduled to attend the conference. There will also be representatives of the private sector and civil society organizations. The aim of the conference is to come up with an action agenda to counter radicalization.

According to the United States, a knowledgeable, resilient local community plays a crucial role in tackling radicalization and violent extremism. This conference is a continuation of President Barrack Obama's call on all countries to do more in the fight against violent extremism during the General Assembly of the UN in September last year. The attendees will share knowledge and experience on intervention and prevention in their cities and the way they deal with the impact of international conflicts in society.

"International tensions must never lead to conflicts in the streets of our cities. As local government you have to know what is going on, so that you can intervene in time when necessary. It is a great honor that I am invited to talk about Rotterdam's approach in the White House. I see this as a compliment to the entire city," Mayor Aboutaleb said, De Telegraaf reports.