Pakistan and EU Discuss Counter-Terrorism Amid Global Security Concerns
Pakistan and EU officials held their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue to discuss global security challenges, emphasizing the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan. The discussions aimed to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism measures as part of the broader 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan. Key topics included combating extremism, the role of the United Nations, and the resurgence of militant groups.
Islamabad: Officials from Pakistan and the European Union (EU) convened for their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, addressing both region-specific and global challenges, including circumstances in the Middle East and Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Pakistani foreign office on Thursday. This dialogue is a component of the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan initiated between the EU and Pakistan, aimed at strengthening cooperation on security issues and fostering regional collaboration.
This meeting occurs in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East due to Israeli military operations affecting neighboring countries, particularly in Gaza, and concerns regarding the resurgence of militant groups within Afghanistan, which have also been echoed by Pakistan. Islamabad has consistently urged both Israel and global powers for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon and Syria. Furthermore, Pakistan has raised concerns regarding Afghanistan’s alleged support for militant factions amid increased violence in its western provinces, a claim that has been dismissed by the Afghan government.
The Pakistani foreign office remarked, “The European Union and Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and confirmed their steadfast commitment to fight it. The Dialogue allowed for an exchange on regional and global challenges, including the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan and in other areas, like the Middle East.” Both parties highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with international partners in multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which the EU has been co-chairing since 2022.
Abdul Hameed, Director-General for Counter-Terrorism at Pakistan’s foreign ministry, led the discussion on Pakistan’s side, while the EU delegation was chaired by Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defense Policy at the European External Action Service. The EU and Pakistan further deliberated on exchanging best practices and concrete cooperative measures, focusing on common initiatives to prevent and counter violent extremism, manage the recruitment and movement of foreign fighters, and combat online radicalization, along with addressing terrorism financing strategies.
In summary, the dialogue between Pakistan and the EU underscored a mutual commitment to combat terrorism amidst escalating security challenges, particularly concerning the volatile situations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Both sides reaffirmed the necessity of international cooperation and the sharing of best practices to effectively tackle the growing threats posed by militancy and extremism.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
