Pakistan and EU Officials Address Middle East and Afghanistan Security Challenges

Pakistan and EU officials held their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, focusing on security challenges in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Discussions emphasized the need for cooperation against terrorism and shared strategies for countering violent extremism amidst geopolitical tensions. This engagement is part of the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, aimed at deepening mutual security efforts.

In Brussels, Pakistan and European Union (EU) officials convened for their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, addressing significant regional and global security challenges, including the conditions in the Middle East and Afghanistan, as stated by the Pakistani foreign office. This dialogue forms part of a broader Strategic Engagement Plan established in 2019, aimed at fostering closer collaboration on security issues and promoting regional cooperation against militancy.

The context of these discussions is particularly pertinent, as the Middle East faces significant turmoil linked to Israeli military operations affecting multiple countries and the ongoing war in Gaza. Pakistan, alongside other nations, has expressed concerns about the resurgence of militant organizations in Afghanistan, which directly impacts regional stability.

Pakistan has consistently urged Israel and global powers for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and Syria. Concurrently, Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups amidst a troubling increase of militancy in Pakistan’s western regions, although these allegations have been refuted by the Afghan government.

Both parties condemned terrorism in all its forms, reaffirming their commitment to combat it. The dialogue facilitated an exchange of insights on the security ramifications of the evolving situations in both Afghanistan and the Middle East, enhancing their shared resolve to tackle these issues effectively.

Furthermore, the officials emphasized the necessity for strong cooperation with international partners across various multi-lateral platforms, underscoring their work within the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which the EU has co-chaired since 2022. This collaboration is vital to strengthen collective efforts against global terrorism.

The discussions also encompassed the exchange of best practices and potential areas for collaboration. Notable topics included strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism, regulating the movement of foreign fighters, addressing both offline and online radicalization, and tackling the financing of terrorism, thereby responding to the escalating threats posed by terrorism.

In conclusion, the dialogue between Pakistan and the EU marks a crucial step in addressing pressing global security challenges, particularly in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Both parties remain dedicated to combating terrorism in all its forms and have agreed to enhance cooperative strategies for preventing violent extremism and enhancing regional security. Continued collaboration within international frameworks will be essential as they confront these ongoing challenges.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com