Web Desk: The European Union has reiterated Pakistan’s growing importance in regional affairs and pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation during the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held in the federal capital.
The dialogue brought together Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to discuss trade, regional security, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
Speaking after the talks, Kallas described Pakistan as a key partner for the European Union and emphasized the need to expand collaboration in areas such as climate resilience, renewable energy, digital connectivity, migration management, and educational exchanges.
She highlighted the strong economic relationship between the two sides, noting that the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export market. Kallas also pointed out that Pakistan continues to benefit significantly from the EU’s GSP+ trade framework, which provides preferential market access for Pakistani products.
At the same time, she stressed that the continuation of these trade privileges is linked to progress on international commitments related to governance reforms, environmental standards, labour protections, and human rights.
The EU official praised Pakistan’s performance in higher education, noting that Pakistani students have once again secured the highest number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships worldwide, reflecting strong academic engagement between the two sides.
Regional developments also featured prominently in the discussions. Kallas acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East, particularly its role in facilitating dialogue during periods of heightened uncertainty.
She underscored the importance of diplomacy in addressing regional conflicts and expressed the EU’s readiness to support initiatives that contribute to long-term peace and stability.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional security challenges, including developments involving Afghanistan, and agreed on the importance of dialogue, restraint, and cooperation to promote stability.
The strategic dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to deepening EU-Pakistan relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, education, and climate action.
