ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism and terrorist financing, with particular attention to the growing misuse of digital platforms by extremist groups.
The agreement was reached on Thursday during the 10th round of the Pakistan-EU bilateral counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO).
Director General Counterterrorism Dr Fareha Bugti led the Pakistani delegation, while Anna Strzaska, the European External Action Service’s Special Envoy for Counterterrorism, headed the EU delegation.
The discussions covered recent regional and international developments affecting the terrorism threat landscape. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the threat through closer cooperation.
EU Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan
During the dialogue, the EU delegation condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and expressed solidarity with the victims.
According to the Foreign Office, the European delegation also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism.
Both sides discussed the security implications of developments in Afghanistan and recognised the importance of their respective roles in international counterterrorism efforts.
The discussions highlighted the need for continued coordination as regional security challenges evolve and terrorist networks exploit instability and emerging technologies.
Focus on Online Radicalisation and Terrorist Financing
A major focus of the talks was the use of cyberspace and digital platforms by terrorist organisations to spread extremist ideologies, recruit supporters and advance their activities.
The two delegations exchanged best practices on preventing violent extremism, countering terrorist financing and addressing radicalisation, particularly through online channels.
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They also examined emerging threats involving the exploitation of information and energy resources by terrorist groups.
The discussions aimed to identify practical areas where Pakistan and the EU could improve cooperation and strengthen their ability to respond to changing security risks.
Pakistan and EU Seek Coordinated Global Response
Pakistan and the EU agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to promote a coordinated international approach to counterterrorism.
Both sides stressed the importance of effective multilateralism in building lasting international consensus and improving cooperation against terrorist threats.
They also identified priority areas for future collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to regular, institutionalised engagement.
Next Dialogue to Be Held in Brussels
The Foreign Office said the next round of the Pakistan-EU bilateral counterterrorism dialogue would take place in Brussels next year on a mutually convenient date.
The continued engagement is expected to provide a platform for both sides to review emerging threats, exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation on counterterrorism priorities.
The latest round reflects a shared commitment to addressing terrorism through international coordination, information-sharing and efforts to prevent radicalisation and terrorist financing.
