ISLAMABAD, Monday, June 1, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan and the European Union on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties, expand trade and investment cooperation, and strengthen coordination on regional and global challenges during the 8th Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas visited Islamabad for her first official trip to Pakistan, where she co-chaired the dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Welcoming the EU delegation, Ishaq Dar said the visit marked a “growing momentum” in Pakistan–EU relations, noting that both sides had remained in close contact in recent years on regional developments.
He said the Strategic Dialogue remained the highest institutionalized mechanism between the two sides and reviewed cooperation under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan covering trade, investment, governance, human rights, migration, mobility, and counter-terrorism.
Dar said Pakistan–EU trade had reached around 12 billion euros, adding that cooperation under the GSP+ framework remained a “win-win template” for both sides. He also highlighted the Pakistan–EU Business Forum held earlier this year in Islamabad, calling for it to be made a regular feature of bilateral engagement.
On regional issues, Dar briefed the EU side on developments in South Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East, including Pakistan’s concerns over security challenges and terrorism. He also reiterated Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, calling for its resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He further referred to legal developments related to the Indus Waters Treaty arbitration proceedings, saying Pakistan’s position had been “vindicated” by recent outcomes concerning hydroelectric projects.
Speaking on global issues, Dar said Pakistan had played a mediatory role in the United States–Iran tensions and welcomed the EU’s supportive stance. He stressed the importance of multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter in addressing global challenges.
In her remarks, Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as a “major regional power” and an important partner for the European Union, noting that Pakistan remained the EU’s largest export destination under its trade preference scheme.
She said continued access under the GSP+ arrangement depended on progress in implementing international conventions related to governance, environmental protection, labour standards, and human rights.
Kallas said both sides were expanding cooperation in areas including climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration, and mobility. She also noted strong people-to-people linkages, highlighting that Pakistan had once again ranked highly in the EU’s Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme.
On regional developments, she acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, saying these efforts had helped prevent wider escalation. She said the EU was ready to contribute to long-term stability and sustainable diplomatic solutions.
She also referred to the situation involving Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging restraint and dialogue, and emphasizing that diplomacy remained the most effective path to de-escalation.
The two sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation and transforming Pakistan–EU relations into a broader, mutually beneficial partnership.
