Pakistan’s efforts helped prevent full-blown war in Mideast: EU top diplomat

Vice-President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts helped prevent the return to full-blown war between the US and Iran on several occasions.

“And these efforts are much recognised and appreciated across Europe,” Kallas said, addressing a press briefing in Islamabad along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

She said she exchanged views with DPM Dar on pressing global developments including in the Middle East. Pakistan has been the main mediator between the US and Iran and with its support, there’s now a diplomatic opening to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, she added.

However, the EU official said, any temporary understanding between the US and Iran must be followed by the talks about Tehran’s nuclear stockpile and other critical issues. Lasting stability will require more encompassing solution, she stressed.

“The EU is ready to contribute to a sustainable and peaceful solution. We bring economic leverage, nuclear expertise along standing relationships with partners across the Gulf and direct engagement with Iran itself. I see concrete role for the EU in helping to make any eventual agreement durable whether through maritime operations, economic incentives that support long term stability or other issues,” she said.

Kallas acknowledged that Pakistan is a major regional power and an important partner for the EU.

“Today, in our strategic dialogue we reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening EU-Pakistan ties even further,” she said.

On trade in particular, the EU high representative said, there’s already a strong momentum as EU remains by far Pakistan’s largest export destination, actually larger that China and the US combined.

“Pakistan is the world’s leading beneficiary of the EU trade preferences the GSP+, but GSP+ has clear conditions. Continued preferential access to EU market depends on progress on implementing the international conventions. This includes good governance, environmental protection, and particular labour and human rights,” she emphasised.

“Beyond trade, we have deepening cooperation in wide range of issues including climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration and mobility, she said. “People to people links are also important part of our partnership. I’m also impressed that Pakistan topped EU’s global Erasmus Mundus rankings again the fifth year in a row,” she said.

The European Commission vice-president also expressed her concern that Pakistan has been locked in a conflict with Afghanistan saying the fighting in recent weeks have had great humanitarian consequences and also risks fuelling further instability and radicalisation.

“This is why we have constantly called on both sides to exercise restraint. Pakistan has the right to defend itself, defend its people in line with the international law,” she said.

Kallas on Monday arrived in Islamabad to hold discussions with a focus on EU-Pakistan relations and regional cooperation.

She was received by DPM Dar at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.

During the meeting between FM Dar and the EU official earlier, both sides acknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and agreed to further strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership.

“The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, ahead of the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue which is being held subsequently,” the Foreign Office said.

According to the FO, her visit was aimed at advancing bilateral engagement and regional cooperation between Pakistan and the EU.

Deeper strategic partnership

According to a press statement, the two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, migration, and regional security as the two sides held the eighth session of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, who visited Pakistan at Dar’s invitation.

The meeting reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations, assessed progress under the Strategic Engagement Plan, and outlined future avenues for enhanced cooperation.

During delegation-level talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening their multidimensional partnership. Discussions focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation, including under the GSP+ framework, and promoting bilateral investment following the first EU-Pakistan Business Forum held in Islamabad in April.

The two sides also reviewed cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue, emphasizing the promotion of legal migration pathways and talent partnerships while addressing irregular migration through structured mechanisms.

Dar and Kallas exchanged views on regional and global developments and discussed issues of mutual concern. The foreign minister highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, while the EU side appreciated Islamabad’s mediation efforts and constructive engagement in regional affairs.

Both sides underscored the importance of dialogue, adherence to international law, and multilateralism in addressing contemporary global challenges and maintaining regional stability.

During her visit, Kallas also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The meetings reviewed bilateral relations and regional developments, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and emphasizing the importance of sustained high-level engagement.

Pakistan and the EU also agreed to hold the ninth session of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Brussels next year.