CRI听力:EU Calls for Anti-terror Alliance with Arab Nations

The European Union is calling for an anti-terror alliance with Arab countries following recent deadly attacks and arrests across Europe linked to foreign fighters.

Speaking at an EU foreign ministers' meeting, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini stressed that the two sides need to boost cooperation and information-sharing.

"First of all, with an input to share information and intelligence information, not only within the European Union, but also with other countries around us, starting from the Mediterranean and the Arab world, starting from Turkey, Egypt, (the) Gulf countries, North Africa, but also looking more to Africa and Asia and at a certain time."

Mogherini says she has signed "a memorandum of understanding" with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Araby to cooperate on combatting extremism across the Arab world.

For his part, Al-Araby said Arab countries are willing to collaborate with the EU in addressing the issue of extremism, but stressed that the Arab League would not be involved militarily.

"The Arab League does not get into alliances. The Arab League has no desire to use arms. We are talking about a comprehensive confrontation: philosophical, economic, religious, media, educational, in schools. All these have to be confronted and we are taking part in this. We have nothing to do with the military side."

Monday's EU foreign ministers meeting was in preparation for a summit of EU leaders due to take place in February that will focus on terror attacks and security issues.