Pakistan and EU officials held the 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, discussing global security challenges, particularly in the Middle East and Afghanistan. This dialogue is part of their Strategic Engagement Plan from 2019, emphasizing collaborative efforts against militancy. Key issues included the situation in Gaza, militant resurgence in Afghanistan, and strategies to combat terrorism.
ISLAMABAD: Officials from Pakistan and the European Union (EU) convened for their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, focusing on pressing regional and global security issues, notably the situations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. This dialogue is part of the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan aimed at enhancing collaboration on security matters and regional cooperation, underscoring a mutual commitment to address the threats posed by militancy.
The discussions arise amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East, primarily due to Israeli military actions impacting various states, along with concerns about the potential resurgence of militant groups in Afghanistan. Pakistan has persistently urged Israel and other global powers to establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and withdraw its forces from Lebanon and Syria while simultaneously accusing Afghanistan of fostering militant activities in its western regions, claims which Kabul denies.
A statement from the Pakistani foreign office highlighted that, “The European Union and Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and confirmed their steadfast commitment to fight it.” The dialogue facilitated discussions on security implications stemming from the conditions in Afghanistan and broader areas, including the Middle East, fostering a spirit of collaboration.
Both parties recognized the significance of collaboration with international partners within multilateral environments, particularly the United Nations framework and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which the EU has co-chaired since 2022. Abdul Hameed, Pakistan’s director-general for counter-terrorism, led the Pakistani delegation, while the EU was represented by Maciej Stadejek, director for security and defense policy at the European External Action Service.
The dialogue also concentrated on sharing best practices and fostering concrete cooperative efforts in critical areas, including preventing violent extremism, addressing the recruitment and movement of foreign fighters, offline and online radicalization, and combating terrorism financing. These collaborative efforts aim to effectively tackle the increasing challenges associated with terrorism.
In summary, the 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue between Pakistan and the EU underscored both parties’ commitment to combating terrorism and addressing global security challenges. Amidst ongoing geopolitical turmoil, their discussions emphasized the importance of cooperation on various counter-terrorism strategies and the necessity of multilateral partnerships. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to addressing the complexities of violent extremism through united efforts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
