EU and Pakistan Collaborate to Combat Violent Extremism and Terrorism

The European Union and Pakistan have agreed on collaborative measures to combat terrorism, focusing on countering violent extremism and enhancing security through their ninth Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels. They aim to address challenges related to foreign fighter movement, radicalization, and terrorism financing as part of their broader strategic engagement.

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the European Union (EU) and Pakistan have reached an agreement to implement concrete measures aimed at combating violent extremism, recruiting and mobilizing foreign fighters, and addressing both offline and online radicalization. They also committed to countering terrorism financing and tackling the various challenges presented by terrorism. This partnership highlights their concerted efforts to enhance security in the region.

On February 20, the ninth Counter-Terrorism Dialogue was held in Brussels between the two parties, as stated by the Pakistani Foreign Office (FO). The dialogue served as a platform for discussing collaborative approaches to counter-terrorism, reinforcing their commitments under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan.

During these discussions, both the EU and Pakistan denounced terrorism in all forms, reaffirming their determination to address this global threat. The dialogue provided opportunities to address regional and global security challenges, including concerns related to Afghanistan and the Middle East, which are pivotal to international security dynamics.

Leaders from both delegations emphasized the necessity for a robust collaboration with international partners within multilateral frameworks. This includes active participation in United Nations initiatives and contributions to the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which is jointly chaired by the EU since 2022.

In conclusion, the EU and Pakistan’s agreement emphasizes strategic cooperation to combat terrorism and its underlying causes. Their collaborative efforts reflect a commitment to addressing local and global security threats and indicate an intention for ongoing dialogue and partnership in the realm of counter-terrorism. This alliance serves as a vital step in enhancing regional security frameworks and combating extremist ideologies.

Original Source: www.brecorder.com