Brussels, 29/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - In a joint statement on Tuesday 28 January, the European Union and the Russian Federation committed to developing their strategic partnership in the fight against, and prevention of, terrorism.
The EU and Russia will “consider possibilities for further strengthening cooperation in response to crimes committed by terrorists and organised crime”. They plan to sign cooperation agreements so as to ensure, inter alia, an exchange of information between Russia and the EU in the sphere of combating terrorism.
Collaboration will also be developed in the exchange of best practice on fighting terrorism and on training experts, and it will be intensified under the United Nations and other international forums. “We intend to strengthen our cooperation countering terrorist financing activities, as well as legal cooperation, in particular in extradition and legal assistance on terrorist cases, including identification, arrest, confiscation and return of property acquired through terrorist activities”, the two parties add. They pledge to promote cooperation between their competent authorities, including Europol and Eurojust. They have also agreed to continue exchanges and developing cooperation on the prevention of terrorism - in particular on the radicalisation and recruitment of terrorists, foreign fighters and the protection of critical infrastructure in the energy field.
Respect of human rights. The EU and Russia state that they are “united in countering terrorism based on the rule of law and respect for human rights”. They therefore commit to ensuring that measures taken against terrorism fully respect these rights and to ensuring their implementation in counter-terrorism programmes and national policies.
The EU and Russia underline their commitment to continue their international efforts “individually and jointly” to combat terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation. (CG/transl.fl)