Pakistan and European Union (EU), while reaffirming that terrorism continued to pose a threat to states and societies across the globe, reiterated their resolve to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Both countries held seventh round of Pakistan-EU Political Counter-Terrorism dialogue in Brussels, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The EU side of the dialogue was chaired by Pawel Herczynski, director for Security Policy (EEAS) while director general of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Ahmad Farooq represented Pakistan during the talks.
The parties held in-depth discussions and exchanged perspectives on a wide range of counter terrorism issues in a cordial and constructive manner, according to the Foreign Office’s statement. “Both sides reaffirmed their solidarity with the victims of terrorist attacks across the world,” read the FO statement.
During the meeting, the EU side appreciated Pakistan’s increasing efforts in fighting terrorism and emphasised on the need for increased engagement in preventing and countering radicalization. The parties agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to terrorism, based on the rule of law and protection of human rights. The parties also agreed to enhance cooperation in dealing with violent extremism in all its forms. The meeting further decided that there was a need to prevent and counter radicalization and addressing its root cause. The meeting also reiterated its joint commitment to regional peace and stability. Both sides also emphasised on the importance of interfaith dialogue and harmony as a key to promote tolerance and social cohesion in the society.
Recalling the commitments of all states for the implementation of UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions relating to international terrorism, both sides reaffirmed their support for the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced and integrated manner.
The parties also reiterated their determination to work together in promoting international cooperation through for a such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF). They discussed the ongoing EU-Pakistan cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism, and agreed to explore further avenues of bilateral collaboration including exchange of best practices and potential co-operation projects in mutually agreed areas.
The EU and Pakistan agreed that the next meeting of the dialogue will take place in Islamabad in 2019. The dialogue followed the adoption of EU Council Conclusions on Pakistan on November 19 which highlighted EU’s intention of strengthening cooperation in the field of security and defence and commend the resumption of dialogue. The conclusions also mentioned the annual Dialogues on Counter-Terrorism and on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. The Pakistan-EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament dialogue was held on 28 November 2018.
Published in Daily Times, December 1st 2018.
