ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have called on Afghanistan’s Taliban regime to take concrete steps against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, as both sides reviewed regional tensions and the deteriorating situation inside Afghanistan.
The demand was issued in the declaration of the seventh Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired in Brussels by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, according to a statement released by Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO).
The joint statement said, Pakistan and EU urged Afghanistan’s de facto authorities “to play a constructive role in achieving the shared objective of rooting out terrorism from Afghan soil”.
The discussions also covered Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, including cross-border tensions in October 2025.
Pakistan and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, stability and the resolution of issues through dialogue between neighbours.
Both sides voiced concern over Afghanistan’s worsening socio-economic conditions and stressed that a peaceful, stable and self-reliant Afghanistan was vital for regional security.
The EU appreciated Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan nationals for more than four decades. It said any return of Afghan refugees must be “safe, dignified and in line with international standards”.
The two sides also called on the Taliban authorities to ensure the protection of human rights, particularly for women, girls and vulnerable communities.
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Joint Press Communiqué Seventh Round of the European Union-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue on 21 November 2025
🔗⬇️https://t.co/ng4HCaTgw5 pic.twitter.com/fncpv1n1rV
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 23, 2025
Pakistan–EU cooperation
The dialogue reviewed progress under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan.
Pakistan and the EU agreed to deepen cooperation in politics, trade, economy, migration, development, climate, and security.
Both sides highlighted education and research partnerships, welcoming ongoing collaboration under Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe. They also pledged to strengthen joint efforts on food security, energy security and climate change.
They reaffirmed the importance of sustainable growth and trade development, noting the central role of the GSP+ arrangement in Pakistan–EU economic relations. The EU briefed Pakistan on progress towards adopting a new GSP regime.
Both partners reiterated their commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Global and regional Issues
Pakistan and the EU exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global developments. The EU provided updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, while Pakistan raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Pakistan and the European Union convened the 7th Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 and the EU High Representative/Vice President @kajakallas in Brussels.
The meeting provided a comprehensive review of… pic.twitter.com/ExJrF6OX08
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 22, 2025
Both sides reviewed developments in the Middle East and welcomed agreement on the first phase of the plan to end the Gaza conflict.
They urged all parties to maintain the ceasefire, avoid actions that could undermine the agreement, and ensure humanitarian access, stabilisation and reconstruction in Gaza.
They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution in accordance with UN resolutions.
Commitment to multilateralism
Pakistan and the EU reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter and a rules-based international order grounded in common interests.
Both sides agreed to hold the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.
