Pakistan and the European Union on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to transform bilateral ties into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership during the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held in the federal capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Remarks
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the European Union in key areas including trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. He was talking to the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas in Islamabad. During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the important role of GSP+ in ensuring stronger trade ties between Pakistan and the EU. He said that Pakistan is keen to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership with the European Union.
Discussions on Regional and International Situation
Discussions also focused on the regional and international situation. The PM thanked the EU leadership for its strong support for Pakistan's peace efforts in the Gulf region. He said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are playing a crucial role in these efforts. He laid special emphasis on the need for the international community, including the EU, to work collectively to ensure lasting peace in the region. The PM also shared Pakistan's perspective on the regional situation in South Asia, as well as on Afghanistan, with the EU High Representative.
Invitations and Appreciation
He also conveyed his best wishes to President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, as well as to President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and reiterated his cordial invitations to both leaders to visit Pakistan soon. In her remarks, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas appreciated the role played by Pakistan for regional peace and conveyed the EU's strong interest in deepening strategic engagement with Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's Address
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing the joint press stakeout with Kaja Kallas, described the dialogue as the highest institutionalised forum between Pakistan and the EU. He noted that the last, the 7th Review, was held in November in Brussels, marking the shortest gap between such engagements in their history. The two sides reviewed progress on cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019, covering sectors including trade, investment and development, human rights and rule of law, migration and mobility, and security and counter-terrorism.
Trade and Investment Cooperation
Dar highlighted that the EU was among Pakistan's major trade partners and described Pakistan-EU trade cooperation under the GSP+ framework as a win-win template and stated that discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. Deputy Prime Minister Dar and the EU High Representative also held an in-depth exchange of views on regional and global issues, including the US-Iran conflict, the security situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, Europe and the Middle East. Dar thanked the EU for its appreciation and supportive role for Pakistan's mediation efforts in the US-Iran conflict.
Security Concerns and Kashmir Dispute
He raised concerns regarding unprovoked Indian aggression and reiterated Pakistan's principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, advocating for its resolution according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He also shared that Pakistan's position on the Indus Waters Treaty stands vindicated after the Court of Arbitration's supplementary award, which affirmed that the Treaty placed substantive limits on India's water control capability on the western rivers. On security issues, Dar emphasised concerns regarding the presence of Fitna Khawarij and Fitna Hindustan elements on Afghan soil and their continued attacks against Pakistan. He stressed the need for strengthening multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter.
EU High Representative's Remarks
In her remarks, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as a major regional power and an important partner for the European Union. Kallas noted that the EU remained, by far, Pakistan's largest export destination and that Pakistan was the world's leading beneficiary of the EU's GSP+ scheme. She expressed appreciation for Pakistan's mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, which have helped prevent a return to full-blown war. She said that the EU was ready to contribute to a sustainable and peaceful solution. Regarding the situation with Afghanistan, Kallas stated that Pakistan has the right to defend itself and its people in line with international law.
Commitment to Further Strengthen Ties
Both leaders expressed resolve to further strengthen EU-Pakistan ties across trade, climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration, mobility, and people-to-people links, including through the Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme.
