PARIS: The United States will host a summit on Feb 18 on how to fight "violent extremism around the world" in the wake of the Paris attacks, US Attorney General Eric Holder said Sunday.
French President Francois Hollande, centre, and French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, third left, welcome US Attorney General Eric Holder, fourth left, and Canadian Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney, third right, at the Elysee Palace before the Unity rally in Paris. AFP photo
Speaking in the French capital after a meeting with European security ministers following this week's Islamist militant attacks, Mr Holder said the meeting would take place in Washington DC under the auspices of President Barack Obama.
"The United States is planning on holding a summit meeting on February the 18th in Washington DC to be conducted by the White House," he said.
The gathering will "bring together all of our allies to discuss ways in which we can counteract this violent extremism that exists around the world", Holder said.
"Only if we work together, through sharing of information, by pooling our resources, will we ultimately be able to defeat those who are in a struggle with us about our fundamental values."
In a statement, the White House said the summit would highlight US and international efforts to prevent the radicalisation and recruitment of followers in the United States and other countries by extremist groups.
It will stress efforts by local communities to integrate teachers, health care workers and religious leaders with law enforcement in the fight against violent extremism, the White House said.
"The summit will include representatives from a number of partner nations, focusing on the themes of community engagement, religious leader engagement, and the role of the private sector and tech community," it added.
The White House said the summit's agenda and participants would be announced at a later time.