Pakistan and the EU held their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels, discussing cooperation in combating terrorism and regional security challenges. Both parties condemned terrorism and stressed the importance of international cooperation. Furthermore, the EU emphasized human rights progress in Pakistan through related dialogues.
On February 20, 2025, Pakistan and the European Union engaged in their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels, aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts against terrorism under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan. The talks were led by Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, alongside Abdul Hameed, Director General for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.
Both delegations unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to combat this global threat. The discussions provided a platform to address various regional and international security challenges, particularly the implications arising from the situations in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Moreover, the dialogue emphasized the significance of robust cooperation with international partners through multilateral platforms, such as the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which has been co-chaired by the EU since 2022. The parties underscored the need to exchange best practices and develop concrete actions focused on preventing violent extremism, addressing the movement of foreign fighters, and combating terrorism financing.
Additionally, in January, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Ambassador Olof Skoog, conducted a week-long visit to Pakistan, where he highlighted the necessity for progress on human rights issues critical for Pakistan’s GSP+ status amidst an ongoing review. His meetings encompassed interactions with government officials, military leadership, human rights advocates, and civil society members to bolster EU-Pakistan cooperation in meeting human rights commitments.
In summary, the recent dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union underscores a mutual commitment to counter-terrorism and the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling global security challenges. The discussions reflect the desire for enhanced cooperation in addressing terrorism-related issues and the ongoing emphasis on human rights within this framework. The engagement signifies both parties’ resolve to fortify their strategic partnership.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
