Pakistan and the European Union conducted their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels, emphasizing collaboration against terrorism. Led by senior officials from both sides, they discussed regional security challenges and confirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism. The talks also included discussions on human rights issues concerning Pakistan’s relations with the EU.
On February 20, 2025, Pakistan and the European Union engaged in their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels. This dialogue, which forms part of their broader security cooperation established under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, was led by Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, and Abdul Hameed, Director General for Counter-Terrorism at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.
The two delegations condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and reiterated their commitment to combatting this global threat. They exchanged views on regional and international challenges, particularly the implications of the security situation in Afghanistan and other regions such as the Middle East.
Both parties recognized the importance of collaboration with international partners in multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which the European Union has co-chaired since 2022. They also identified areas for sharing best practices and concrete cooperation, focusing on preventing and countering violent extremism and addressing the recruitment and movement of foreign fighters.
In January, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Ambassador Olof Skoog, visited Pakistan and discussed the necessity for progress on various human rights issues crucial for Pakistan to maintain its GSP+ status during an ongoing review. He engaged with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials and members of civil society to stress the importance of meeting human rights obligations.
Ambassador Skoog reinforced the European Union’s commitment to assisting Pakistan in fulfilling its human rights obligations and encouraged meaningful dialogue with all societal segments. This visit underscored the EU’s active role in supporting Pakistan while addressing critical concerns related to human rights and counter-terrorism efforts.
In summary, the recent dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union marks a significant step in enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, reflecting a mutual commitment to addressing global security challenges. The discussions underscore the importance of international collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts and highlight the ongoing dialogue regarding human rights issues as critical to Pakistan’s engagement with the EU. Overall, both parties have reaffirmed their resolve to combat terrorism and to support comprehensive approaches addressing its root causes.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
