Strategic dialogue in Islamabad focuses on political engagement, economic cooperation, and regional stability
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during the eighth Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad on Monday, with both sides emphasizing deeper cooperation on regional and global issues, including developments in South Asia and the Middle East.
Speaking to the media after the talks, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad remained committed to expanding its partnership with the European bloc through sustained political engagement and dialogue.
Dar described continued interaction with EU leadership, particularly with Kaja Kallas, as highly valuable for advancing bilateral ties. He noted that Pakistan and the EU were maintaining close consultations on key regional and international developments, including Pakistan-India relations and ongoing tensions involving Iran and the United States.
The foreign minister also highlighted the importance of engagements between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and European leaders, saying such contacts were helping to promote cooperation across multiple sectors.
During her visit to Islamabad, Kallas praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in supporting dialogue initiatives related to the Iran-US track. She emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic engagement to address international conflicts and reduce tensions affecting global stability.
Kallas noted that geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran and the United States, had contributed to broader energy market pressures worldwide. She stressed the need for sustained dialogue, durable ceasefires, and cooperative solutions to ongoing conflicts.
The EU foreign policy chief said a key objective for 2026 was to further strengthen Pakistan-EU relations through a forward-looking partnership focused on political cooperation, economic growth, and regional stability.
She added that Pakistan and the European Union shared common interests in promoting peace, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development. According to Kallas, the partnership remains significant for trade, investment, and broader economic progress.
Pakistan and the European Union maintain a longstanding and multidimensional relationship built on economic cooperation, shared values, and support for multilateral engagement. The EU remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, with trade relations benefiting from preferential market access arrangements that have contributed significantly to bilateral commerce.
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