Pakistan, EU discuss regional security threats at counterterrorism talks
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and the European Union have expressed concern over security implications of the situation in Afghanistan and pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorism during their 10th round of bilateral counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad on Thursday.
The talks brought together delegations led by Pakistan’s Director General for Counterterrorism, Dr. Fareha Bugti, and Anna Strzaska, the European External Action Service’s special envoy for counterterrorism, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to combating the threat amid evolving regional and global security challenges.
The EU condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, expressed solidarity with civilians affected by the violence and acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism, according to the statement.
The two sides also discussed the security implications of developments in Afghanistan, where instability remains a concern for regional and international security.
They agreed to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to promote a more coherent international approach to counterterrorism.
The discussions covered emerging terrorist threats, including the exploitation of cyberspace, information and energy resources to advance militant objectives.
Pakistan and the EU also exchanged best practices on preventing and countering violent extremism, disrupting terrorist financing and addressing radicalisation, with particular attention to the use of cyberspace by terrorist groups.
The two sides identified priority areas for future cooperation and agreed to maintain regular, institutionalised engagement on counterterrorism.
The next round of the dialogue will take place in Brussels next year on a mutually agreed date, the ministry said.
