By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan and Turkey have decided to join hands in combating the global and regional threats of international terrorism.
According to Pakistan foreign office statement, the two countries held first round of bilateral consultations on counter-terrorism in Turkish capital Ankara on Saturday.
The Pakistan delegation was led by Director General (Counter Terrorism) Ahmad Farooq and the Turkish side was headed by Director General for Research and Security, Ambassador Aylin Tashan.
Both sides agreed on the enduring importance and need for a comprehensive approach to terrorism and extremism, based on the rule of law and addressing their root causes.
The delegations exchanged views on the threat posed by Da’esh in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
Pakistan briefed the Turkish delegation on the improved security situation in the country as a result of the concerted actions by all segments of the society.
The major successes achieved in the fight against terrorism through military operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasad, as well as, the implementation of National Action Plan was highlighted.
Condemning the barbaric terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, both sides stressed that terrorism must not be associated with any particular religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.
Both sides also reviewed the ongoing Pakistan-Turkey cooperation and collaboration in the area of counter-terrorism.
It was agreed to explore further avenues of cooperation between the two countries including exchange of best practices in areas such as law enforcement, criminal justice and rule of law, countering financing of terrorism and prevention of radicalization.
The two sides agreed that the next round of Pakistan-Turkey Counter Terrorism Consultations would take place in Islamabad next year, on mutually convenient dates, the foreign office statement concluded.
