Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening political, economic, and security cooperation during the 7th EU–Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, co-chaired the meeting, which reviewed progress under the 2019 EU–Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP). Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, migration, human rights, development, and higher education, including programs such as Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe.
The talks also addressed emerging global challenges, including food and energy security, climate change, and pathways to sustainable development. Both parties reaffirmed the importance of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), calling it a cornerstone of EU–Pakistan trade relations.
Regional and global security issues were also a key part of the conversation. The EU briefed Pakistan on Russia’s war in Ukraine, while Pakistan emphasized the peaceful resolution of longstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides expressed support for the Middle East peace process, reiterated their commitment to the two-state solution, and stressed the urgent need for humanitarian access and reconstruction in Gaza.
On Pakistan–Afghanistan relations, discussions highlighted regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation, and the importance of the safe and dignified return of Afghan nationals. The EU appreciated Pakistan’s decades-long hosting of millions of Afghan refugees.
Both sides agreed to hold the 8th round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.
