BRUSSELS: Pakistan and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to a broad-based and forward-looking partnership, with both sides stressing the importance of further deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ scheme, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) said on Saturday.
The resolve came during the seventh Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue, held in Brussels. The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the meeting provided a “comprehensive review” of the full spectrum of Pakistan–EU relations. The talks built on recent high-level engagements and sustained institutional interactions.
Both sides reaffirmed a partnership anchored in shared values, the UN Charter, multilateralism, and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, the Foreign Office stated.
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Trade, investment and GSP+
Pakistan and the EU underlined the importance of expanding trade and investment ties. The Foreign Office said this includes work under the GSP+ arrangement, which they described as a key driver of sustainable growth, export diversification, job creation and mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
GSP+ is a special incentive for developing countries to promote sustainable development and good governance. The scheme grants duty-free access or reduced tariffs on two-thirds of EU tariff lines.
Countries benefiting from the scheme must implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and good governance.
Regional and global issues
The Foreign Office said the dialogue also allowed both sides to exchange views on regional and global developments. These included the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and broader geopolitical shifts.
Pakistan and the EU stressed the need for coordinated approaches to peace, stability, sustainable development, climate change, and connectivity.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019).
They also committed to advancing work on ongoing dialogues and identifying new areas for collaboration in the coming years.
Dar’s meetings on sidelines of EU Indo-Pacific Forum
On the margins of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, Pakistan’s Deputy PM Dar met several leaders, the Foreign Office said.
He held a “constructive” exchange with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdusalam Abdi Ali, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation and supporting regional stability.
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Dar also met Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of Delegation for Italy. Their discussion covered strengthening Pakistan–Italy ties, enhancing economic engagement, and cooperation within broader Pakistan–EU frameworks.
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The Pakistan’s Deputy PM also met Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, and climate resilience.
They stressed the importance of staying in regular contact, including through multilateral forums, to advance shared priorities.
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