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Pakistan and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming bilateral relations into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership during the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.
Pakistan and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and transforming their relationship into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership during the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad.
According to Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Radio Pakistan, the dialogue brought together Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas to review progress under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019.
Addressing a joint press stakeout, Dar described the Strategic Dialogue as the “highest institutionalised forum” between Pakistan and the EU and highlighted cooperation across trade, investment, development, human rights, migration, security, and counter-terrorism.
He noted that the European Union remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and described cooperation under the GSP+ framework as a “win-win template,” with both sides discussing ways to further strengthen trade and investment ties.
The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global developments, including the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Europe, and the ongoing US-Iran tensions.
Dar thanked the EU for recognising Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the US-Iran conflict and reiterated Pakistan’s position on regional peace and stability. He also raised concerns regarding terrorism threats emanating from Afghan territory and stressed the importance of multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter.
In her remarks, Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as “a major regional power and an important partner for the European Union.” She noted that the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export destination and that Pakistan is the leading beneficiary of the bloc’s GSP+ trade scheme.
Kallas also appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran, stating that such efforts had helped prevent a broader conflict and that the EU was ready to support a peaceful and sustainable solution.
Both sides expressed their resolve to expand cooperation in climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration, mobility, education, and people-to-people exchanges, including through the Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme.
