Pakistan, EU vow to promote trade development

Web Desk: Pakistan and European Union have reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to promote sustainable growth and trade development.

This consensus was reached during the 7th Round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas in Brussels.

The meeting discussed EU-Pakistan bilateral relations, with special regard to reviewing cooperation in the framework of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan from 2019.

Both sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in all areas covered under the strategic engagement plan with the objective of aligning overall strategic outlook.

They agreed to further deepen knowledge partnerships through Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe and to work together on emerging challenges related to food and energy security and climate change.

The two leaders expressed a strong political commitment towards the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) which remains one of the key elements of EU-Pakistan relations.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue working closely towards universal promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with their international obligations.

They discussed the situation in the Middle East and welcomed the agreement reached on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict, put forward by President Donald Trump.

Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas also discussed Pakistan-Afghanistan relations amid October 2025 cross-border tensions, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace, stability, prosperity and resolving issues through dialogue between the two neighbours.

The two sides called on Afghanistan's de facto Authorities to play a constructive role in achieving the shared objective of rooting out terrorism from Afghan soil.

Expressing concern over Afghanistan's deteriorating socio-economic conditions, they supported a peaceful, stable and self-reliant Afghanistan contributing to regional stability.

Both sides agreed to convene the 8th Round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.