EU, Pakistan reaffirm strategic partnership at Brussels dialogue

Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation during the Seventh Round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Brussels.

The meeting was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

Discussions focused on advancing the 2019 EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), with both sides agreeing to align their strategic outlook and enhance collaboration in trade, migration, human rights, economic development, climate change, and food and energy security.

Strengthening trade and knowledge partnerships

The dialogue emphasized sustained engagement under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Both parties agreed to expand research and educational cooperation through Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe.

They reiterated support for sustainable growth and trade, highlighting the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) as a cornerstone of relations.

The EU briefed Pakistan on its ongoing process to adopt a new GSP framework. Both sides reaffirmed cooperation on human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Regional and global issues discussed

During the dialogue, the EU updated Pakistan on Russia’s war in Ukraine, while Pakistan raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The ministers also reviewed the Middle East situation, welcoming the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict proposed by President Trump.

They stressed upholding the ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian access, and supporting Gaza’s reconstruction and a two-state solution.

The meeting also addressed Pakistan-Afghanistan relations amid recent cross-border tensions. Both sides called for dialogue, regional stability, and decisive action by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities against terrorism.

Expressing concern over Afghanistan’s socio-economic conditions, Pakistan and the EU supported a credible UN-led political process under the Doha framework.

The EU acknowledged Pakistan’s decades-long hosting of Afghan nationals, emphasizing that returns must be safe, dignified, and consistent with international standards. They also urged protection of human rights, especially for women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

Pakistan and the EU agreed to hold the Eighth Round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.