Pakistan and European Union agree to enhance partnership and mutual cooperation

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas, who is currently visiting Pakistan. During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen Pakistan-EU relations and enhance bilateral partnership and cooperation.

During the meeting, Ishaq Dar said that the continued engagement of the European Union’s leadership and its High Representative with Pakistan is highly valued. He noted that both sides have remained in close contact on regional and international issues, particularly regarding Pakistan-India tensions and the Iran–United States dispute.

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Kaja Kallas said that Pakistan has the full right to defend itself and protect its citizens in accordance with international law. However, she emphasized that dialogue remains the best way to resolve regional disputes.

Later, while addressing the media with Kaja Kallas, Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan and the European Union enjoy cordial relations and that Kallas’s visit reflects the growing ties between Pakistan and the EU.

He stated that the European Union has consistently urged all parties to exercise restraint and reduce tensions, stressing that negotiations, rather than military actions or airstrikes, are the most effective way to resolve disputes. Kaja Kallas also stated that Pakistan has every right to defend itself against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

During the press conference, Kaja Kallas said that a range of important regional and global issues were discussed during the strategic dialogue. She thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for the warm welcome in Islamabad and expressed hope that cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union would continue to expand in the coming years.

She further said that the European Union has always supported peace and diplomacy. The EU is an important trading partner of Pakistan, and both sides remain focused on promoting bilateral trade and investment.

The EU representative added that Pakistan played an important role during mediation efforts in the Iran–United States dispute and that both sides are working to strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and the European Union.

Ishaq Dar said that a Pakistan-EU strategic vision could provide new direction to a long-term partnership, while the continuation of strategic dialogue reflects the dynamic and future-oriented nature of relations between the two sides.

He expressed hope that the latest round of talks would produce positive and meaningful outcomes and help identify new areas of cooperation while promoting shared interests.

Ishaq Dar further stated that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relationship with the European Union. He noted that this is the first visit by a senior EU foreign policy official to Pakistan in seven years.

He also reiterated that the Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.