DIPLOMATIC REPORTER
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union have reiterated their commitment to strengthening trade and investment cooperation, particularly through the EU’s GSP+ scheme, during their seventh Strategic Dialogue.
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said the talks offered a detailed assessment of the broad relationship between Pakistan and the EU, benefiting from recent high-level exchanges and ongoing institutional dialogue.
Both sides agreed that enhancing economic engagement — especially through the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) — would support sustainable development, diversify Pakistan’s exports, create jobs, and generate mutually advantageous opportunities.
The session also allowed the two sides to share perspectives on key regional and international developments, including the situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and wider geopolitical shifts.
According to the FO, Pakistan and the EU emphasised the need for coordinated strategies to promote peace, stability, sustainable development, climate resilience, and improved connectivity. They also committed to further strengthening cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), pushing ahead on ongoing dialogues and identifying new areas for partnership.
On the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, Ishaq Dar held several bilateral meetings. He met Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdusalam Abdi Ali, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation and regional stability. Dar also held discussions with Ambassador Andrea Orizio, head of Italy’s delegation, focusing on expanding Pakistan–Italy relations and deepening economic cooperation within the broader Pakistan–EU framework.
In another engagement, Dar met Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, where the two agreed to increase collaboration in trade, connectivity, and climate resilience. Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining regular contact through bilateral and multilateral channels to advance shared goals.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/online-buzz-after-trump-mamdanis-surprisingly-warm-white-house-meeting/
