European Council President Lauds Pakistan's Crucial Role in Middle East Peace Initiatives
In a significant diplomatic development, European Council President Antonio Costa made a telephone call to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which he expressed strong appreciation for Pakistan's active and constructive role in mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Middle East. The conversation, which took place recently, focused extensively on the escalating tensions in the region and the broader framework of Pakistan-European Union bilateral relations.
Deep Concern Over Regional Tensions and Global Impact
According to an official statement released by the Prime Minister's House, both leaders shared profound concern regarding the ongoing and volatile tensions in Iran and across various Gulf countries. They highlighted the severe repercussions these conflicts are having on the global economy, underscoring the urgent necessity for peaceful negotiations and sustained diplomatic engagement to resolve the multifaceted crisis. The Prime Minister provided President Costa with a comprehensive update on Pakistan's recent diplomatic initiatives and mediation endeavors designed to de-escalate tensions and foster dialogue among the involved parties in the Middle East.
EU's Firm Support for Diplomatic Pathways to Peace
President Costa explicitly commended Pakistan's peace initiatives and reaffirmed the European Union's unwavering support for all diplomatic efforts that seek to restore lasting peace and stability in the troubled region. He emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy, conducted in full respect of the United Nations Charter and international law, represent the only viable path forward to achieve sustainable peace. The European Council President also conveyed his best wishes to Pakistan for its continued and dedicated peace efforts in this complex geopolitical landscape.
Strengthening Pakistan-EU Strategic and Economic Ties
During their constructive discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the immense importance Pakistan places on its multifaceted relationship with the European Union. He referenced the postponement of his scheduled visit to Brussels last month, to which President Costa responded positively, expressing eagerness to welcome the Prime Minister in Brussels on mutually convenient dates in the near future. Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the critical significance of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) status for Pakistan's economy and trade.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his anticipation for inaugurating the inaugural Pakistan-EU Business Forum, which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on April 28–29, 2026. This event is poised to significantly bolster trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the European bloc. In a gesture of diplomatic courtesy, the Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
Context of Pakistan's Regional Diplomatic Engagements
The telephone conversation occurred against the backdrop of Pakistan's intensified diplomatic outreach. President Costa was briefed on key developments, including the important meeting held in Islamabad that brought together the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to discuss collaborative strategies for ending the conflict in the region. This high-level consultation underscores Pakistan's proactive and central role in facilitating dialogue among key Muslim nations to address the Middle East crisis collectively.
This diplomatic engagement reinforces Pakistan's position as a responsible state committed to regional peace and stability, while also seeking to deepen its strategic and economic partnership with the European Union.
