Pakistan, EU vow deeper strategic partnership at 7th Brussels dialogue

Pakistan and the European Union on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political, economic, and security cooperation as both sides co-chaired the seventh round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Brussels.

According to the Joint Press Communiqué released by the Foreign Office on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas led the meeting, reviewing progress under the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) of 2019.

The two sides agreed to expand collaboration in trade, migration, human rights, development, and higher education, including programs under Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe.

The dialogue also addressed emerging global challenges, with discussions centred on food and energy security, climate change, and pathways for sustainable growth. Both sides reiterated the importance of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), terming it a key pillar of EU-Pakistan trade relations.

Regional and global security developments featured prominently. The EU briefed Pakistan on Russia’s war in Ukraine, while Pakistan underscored the need for peaceful resolution of longstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir.

Both sides expressed support for the Middle East peace process and reaffirmed commitment to a two-state solution, stressing the urgency of humanitarian access and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

On Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the dialogue highlighted the importance of regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and the safe and dignified repatriation of Afghan nationals. The EU appreciated Pakistan’s decades-long hosting of millions of Afghan refugees.

Both sides agreed to convene the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.