ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (WNP): A high-level delegation of senior officials of the European Union and representatives of leading European companies called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday morning.

The delegation was led by Peteris Ustubs, Director (Asia Pacific) at the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships, and included Thourya Triki of the European Investment Bank, along with senior executives from major European firms. These included Manuel Pauser, Vice President of Adidas; Karl Shloegelbauer of Andritz; and Dieter Metkke of IKEA.

The delegation is visiting Pakistan to participate in the EU-Pakistan Business Forum. Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, was also present during the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister appreciated their participation in the forum and noted that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the top destination for its exports.

He expressed optimism that the EU-Pakistan Business Forum would further strengthen trade and investment ties, reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating business and enhancing economic cooperation with the EU.

The Prime Minister also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to stabilize its economy despite regional challenges, including the recent surge in oil prices linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East. Referring to his recent telephonic interactions with Antonio Costa, he said discussions were held on regional security and avenues to deepen Pakistan-EU relations.

The EU delegation appreciated the Prime Minister’s role in promoting regional peace and commended the government’s support in hosting the EU-Pakistan Business Forum. Members of the delegation highlighted their positive investment experiences in Pakistan and pointed to significant potential for expanding business-to-business cooperation in sectors such as energy, communications, and information technology. More than 600 B2B meetings are expected to take place on the sidelines of the forum.

From the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Haroon Akhtar Khan, along with senior officials, were also present in the meeting.