Brussels (National Times) Pakistan and European Union (EU) have emphasised the importance of further deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ arrangement. The emphasis was laid during 7th Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas in Brussels. The meeting provided a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations, building on the positive momentum of recent high-level engagements and sustained institutional interactions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a broad-based, multidimensional and forward-looking partnership anchored in shared values, the UN Charter, multilateralism, and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation. The dialogue also offered an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global developments, including South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and broader geopolitical developments.

The two sides underlined the importance of coordinated approaches to peace, stability, sustainable development, and global challenges such as climate change and connectivity. They agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), advance work on ongoing dialogues, and identify concrete avenues to expand collaboration in the years ahead.