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EU and Pakistan hold regular Counter-Terrorism Political Dialogue: Joint Press Release

30.11.2018
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The seventh round of European Union - Pakistan Political Counter-Terrorism dialogue was held yesterday, 29 November 2018 in Brussels. On the EU side the dialogue was chaired by Mr. Pawel Herczynski, Director for Security Policy in the European External Action Service; on the Pakistan side by Mr. Ahmad Farooq, Director General Counter Terrorism. The European Union and Pakistan held in-depth discussions and exchanged perspectives on a wide range of counter terrorism issues in a cordial and constructive manner. They reaffirmed that terrorism continues to pose a threat to states and societies across the globe, and reiterated their resolve to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the victims of terrorist attacks across the world. The EU side noted Pakistan's efforts in fighting terrorism and emphasised the need for increased engagement on preventing and countering radicalisation. Pakistan and the EU agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to terrorism, based on the rule of law and protection of human rights and for enhancing cooperation in dealing with violent extremism in all its aspects, including preventing and countering radicalisation and addressing the root causes of thereof. They furthermore underlined their joint commitment to regional peace and stability. Both underlined 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 the EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their support for the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced and integrated manner. Both Pakistan and the EU also reiterated their determination to work together in promoting international cooperation through fora 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 19 November 2018. They make reference to the wish of the EU to strengthen cooperation in the field of security and defence and commend the resumption of dialogue in this area, and the holding of 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.

Category
Joint Press Releases
Location

Bruxelles

Editorial sections
Pakistan
EEAS
Counter-Terrorism