Brussels, 12/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 11 June, the European Union and League of Arab States announced in Athens that they would strengthen their cooperation in many areas - including the fight against terrorism and foreign fighters.
In a joint statement, the ministers underlined the importance of their joint cooperation to confront terrorism, “which includes the threat posed by terrorist groups and foreign fighters”. They agreed to share, as appropriate, “assessments and best practices, as well as to cooperate in identifying practical steps to help address the threats”. This will “include counteracting more effectively radicalisation, recruitment, travel of terrorists and foreign fighters as well as dealing with fighters returning to their place of departure”, the statement added. The ministers also agreed to continue work on the comprehensive implementation of the United Nations (UN) Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.
More generally, the ministers expressed their determination to address together their common political, economic and security challenges with a view to sharing a better future for all. They announced the establishment of a strategic EU-Arab League dialogue, including on political and security issues. The importance of EU-Arab League cooperation on human rights, energy, climate change, and the environment was also underlined. The ministers expressed their interest in exploring cooperation in transport, research and innovation, technology transfer, petro-chemical products and information technology. They also underlined their resolve to strengthen institutional cooperation between business, unions, chambers of commerce and other EU and Arab League civil society organisations.
The next EU-Arab League meeting will take place in 2016. (CG)