Pakistan and EU officials engaged in the 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, focusing on security challenges in the Middle East and Afghanistan. This meeting is part of their 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan aimed at mutual cooperation against terrorism. Key issues discussed included regional militancy and collaboration on counter-terrorism initiatives.
Islamabad: Officials from Pakistan and the European Union (EU) convened for their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, addressing both regional and global security challenges. Topics discussed included the situations in the Middle East and Afghanistan, as stated by the Pakistani foreign office.
This dialogue is a part of the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, which aims to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Pakistan concerning security matters. It demonstrates a mutual commitment to tackling the evolving threats posed by militancy.
These discussions are particularly timely due to ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, prompted by Israeli military actions, especially regarding the war in Gaza. Concerns are also rising among nations, including Pakistan, regarding the rise of militant groups in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has consistently urged Israel and global powers to implement a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and withdraw its forces from Lebanon and Syria. In addition, Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups amid a recent increase in violence in Pakistan’s western regions, a claim that Afghanistan has denied.
According to the Pakistani foreign office, both the EU and Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to combat it. The dialogue facilitated discussions on security implications stemming from the situations in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Both sides acknowledged the significance of strong cooperation with international partners within multilateral frameworks. This includes initiatives under the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which the EU has co-chaired since 2022.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Abdul Hameed, the director-general for counter-terrorism at the foreign ministry, while the EU delegation was headed by Maciej Stadejek, director for security and defense policy at the European External Action Service.
Discussions also covered the exchange of best practices and opportunities for concrete collaborations. Emphasis was placed on joint actions to prevent and counter violent extremism, address foreign fighter recruitment and movement, combat radicalization, and tackle terrorism financing.
In conclusion, the 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue between Pakistan and the EU underscored their joint commitment to overcoming global security threats, particularly those posed by militancy in the Middle East and Afghanistan. By enhancing collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts, both parties aim to effectively address the challenges of violence and extremism while fostering international partnerships through established multilateral frameworks.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
