Pakistan and the EU conducted their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels, focusing on cooperation to combat terrorism as part of the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan. The discussions covered regional security challenges, emphasized collaboration with international partners, and explored best practices for addressing violent extremism. Additionally, EU efforts to promote human rights in Pakistan were highlighted during a recent visit by the EU Special Representative.
On February 20, 2025, Pakistan and the European Union convened their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels, aligning discussions with the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan’s security goals. Leading the delegations were Maciej Stadejek from the European External Action Service and Abdul Hameed from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both emphasizing their mutual commitment to combating terrorism in all forms.
The dialogue facilitated discussions on regional and international security challenges, particularly related to the volatile situations in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Both parties acknowledged the critical necessity for collaboration with international entities, especially within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which the EU has co-chaired since 2022.
Furthermore, the talks explored areas for cooperation, focusing on best practices that address violent extremism, foreign fighter movements, offline and online radicalization, and counter-terrorism financing. These efforts aim to tackle the increasing threats posed by terrorism more effectively.
In a related context, in January, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Ambassador Olof Skoog, visited Pakistan to stress progress on various issues including human rights for the country to retain its GSP+ status during an ongoing review. His meetings encompassed a wide range of stakeholders including government officials, military leaders, and representatives from civil society.
Ambassador Skoog reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to aid Pakistan in fulfilling its human rights responsibilities, encouraging meaningful engagement with all sectors, particularly the active civil society that contributes to the discourse on reforms.
The counter-terrorism dialogue between Pakistan and the EU highlights a collaborative effort to combat terrorism and related challenges. The engagement aligns with strategic security interests defined in their Strategic Engagement Plan. Additionally, the EU’s involvement in promoting human rights in Pakistan underscores the link between security cooperation and broader social frameworks. These discussions mark a significant step towards enhanced cooperation and a unified approach to global security challenges.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
