EU expresses commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in counter terrorism initiatives
The European Union (EU) has reportedly extended support for Sri Lanka in its counter terrorism initiative following discussions by EU Counterterrorism Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove who visited Sri Lanka.
The EU official has made this observation in response to Sri Lanka’s efforts to curb terrorism following the Easter Sunday attacks.
A statement issued by the European Commission in Sri Lanka has stated that the offer came during informal counter terrorism talks between a team headed by EU Counterterrorism Coordinator de Kerchove and the Sri Lankan side by Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed A. Jawad.
“The EU presented a support package for Sri Lanka under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace to be implemented with the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) and United Nations Development Programme,” the statement has said.
Accordingly, the package worth 8.5 million euro will focus on law enforcement, rehabilitation and disengagement, counter-narratives, and online radicalisation.
In his talks, de Kerchove has underlined the EU’s solidarity with Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
“Common challenges relating to violent extremism and terrorism were discussed and experience regarding responses was shared,” the statement has further noted.
De Kerchove was also set to meet with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana.
OSL take:
The EU’s offer to assist Sri Lanka in its counter terrorism initiatives is yet another indication of the close ties between the two parties. Sri Lanka already enjoys the EU GSP Plus trade concession, which has greatly benefitted Sri Lanka’s exports sector, especially apparel exports. Sri Lanka and the EU have close trade/business ties that have the potential for further expansion. Therefore, businesses/investors in the EU could confidently explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, local businesses could look at forming partnerships/joint ventures with businesses in EU and vice versa.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/18072019/Z_5 |