Islamabad: Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to strengthen their cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, to advance a coherent counterterrorism approach. This agreement was reached during the 10th round of the Pakistan-European Union Bilateral Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions were led by Dr. Fareha Bugti, Director General (Counterterrorism) for Pakistan, and Anna Strzaska, the EU External Action Service’s Special Envoy for Counterterrorism. Both parties exchanged views on recent regional and global developments affecting the terrorism threat landscape and condemned terrorism in all its forms, reaffirming their commitment to combating this threat.

The EU delegation condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and expressed solidarity with the affected civilians, recognizing Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism. Both sides acknowledged each other’s roles in the global fight against terrorism and expressed concern over the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan.

The dialogue also focused on the evolving nature of terrorist threats, including the use of cyberspace, information, and energy resources for advancing terrorist objectives. Best practices were exchanged on preventing and countering violent extremism, terrorism financing, and radicalization, with an emphasis on the use of cyberspace by terrorists.

Priority areas for cooperation were identified, and both parties reaffirmed their commitment to regular, institutionalized engagement on counterterrorism. It was agreed that the next round of the counterterrorism dialogue will be held in Brussels on a mutually convenient date next year.