ISLAMABAD
Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counterterrorism cooperation, condemning terrorism in all its forms and addressing emerging security threats, including the misuse of cyberspace, terrorist financing and radicalisation.
The commitment was reiterated during the 10th Round of the Pakistan-EU Bilateral Counterterrorism Dialogue, held in Islamabad on Thursday, where both sides exchanged views on evolving regional and global security challenges.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Dr Fareha Bugti, Director General for Counterterrorism, while the EU delegation was headed by Anna Strzaska, Special Envoy for Counterterrorism at the European External Action Service (EEAS).
During the dialogue, both sides discussed recent regional and international developments affecting the terrorism threat landscape and unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
The EU delegation condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, expressed solidarity with innocent civilians affected by terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to combat the menace. Both sides recognised each other’s role in the global fight against terrorism and expressed concern over the security implications of the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
Pakistan and the EU also agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, to promote a coordinated and consistent international approach to counterterrorism. They emphasised that effective multilateralism remains essential to building a lasting global consensus against terrorism.
The discussions covered the changing nature of terrorist threats, including the exploitation of cyberspace, information and energy resources by terrorist groups to advance their objectives.
Both sides also exchanged experiences and best practices in preventing and countering violent extremism, disrupting terrorist financing and addressing radicalisation in all its forms. Particular attention was given to the misuse of cyberspace by terrorist elements and other emerging challenges requiring coordinated international responses.
The two sides identified priority areas for future cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular and institutionalised engagement to strengthen counterterrorism efforts.
It was agreed that the 11th round of the Pakistan-EU Counterterrorism Dialogue would be held in Brussels next year on a mutually convenient date.
