Web desk(National Times)- The European Union\u2019s (EU) top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, on Monday termed Pakistan a major regional power and an important partner of the EU as the two sides held a strategic dialogue in Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas, who serves as vice-president of the Euro\u00adpean Commission and the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy (HR\/VP), is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both co-chaired the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, which is the highest-level platform for structured discussion between the two sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing a joint press conference, Kallas said, \u201cPakistan is a major regional power and an important partner for the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday, in our strategic dialogue, we affirmed our shared commitment to strengthening EU-Pakistan ties even further,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas noted that her visit came at an \u201cimportant moment\u201d, adding that the \u201cworld and this region have experienced profound changes\u201d since the two sides met in November last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas pointed out that the EU remained \u201cby far Pakistan\u2019s largest export destination\u201d, adding that it was larger than the US and China combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She further said Pakistan was the \u201cworld\u2019s leading beneficiary\u201d of the EU\u2019s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, Kallas stressed: \u201cBut GSP+ has clear conditions. Continued preferential access to the EU market depends on progress in implementing the international conventions underpinning the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis includes good governance, environmental protection and particularly, labour and human rights. We look to Pakistan to demonstrate tangible progress on these issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas said Pakistan and the EU were deepening cooperation on a wide range of issues, including climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration and mobility. She remarked that people-to-people links were also an \u201cimportant part\u201d of the partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m also impressed that Pakistan tops the EU\u2019s global Erasmus Mundus Scholarships rankings again, the fifth year in a row,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing details of the dialogue, the visiting diplomat said she and Dar exchanged views on \u201cpressing global developments, including in the Middle East\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noting Pakistan was the \u201cmain mediator\u201d between the US and Iran, Kallas told Dar: \u201cYour diplomatic efforts have helped prevent a return to full-blown war on several occasions and these efforts are much recognised and appreciated across Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added, \u201cWith your support, there is now a tenuous diplomatic opening to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Yet, any temporary understanding between the US and Iran must be followed by deeper talks about Tehran\u2019s nuclear stockpile and other critical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLasting stability will require more encompassing solutions,\u201d she emphasised, affirming that the EU was ready to contribute to a sustainable and peaceful solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe bring economic leverage, hard-won nuclear expertise, long-standing relationships with partners across the Gulf and direct engagement with Iran itself,\u201d Kallas said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI see a concrete role for the EU in helping to make any eventual agreement durable, whether through maritime operations, economic incentives that support long-term stability or other issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EU diplomat also noted that Pakistan had been \u201clocked in a conflict with Afghanistan\u201d, adding that the fighting in recent weeks had \u201cgrave humanitarian consequences and also risks fuelling further instability and radicalisation\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is why we have constantly called on both sides to exercise restraint and de-escalation. Pakistan has the right to defend itself and its people in line with the international law,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking at the joint press conference, Dar termed Kallas\u2019s visit a \u201csignificant milestone\u201d in Pakistan-EU bilateral relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar said that the gap between the last EU-Pakistan dialogue in November 2025 and this one was \u201cprobably in our history the minimum between any two states\u201d. He noted that the last visit by the EU high representative took place in 2019, followed by \u201cvirtually no visits for seven years\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, he added, Kallas\u2019s visit \u201csignifies the growing momentum in EU-Pakistan partnership\u201d. He noted that the EU high representative has remained his \u201cfrequent interlocutor\u201d, adding that their candid exchanges reflected the trust between Pakistan and the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have been constantly in touch during the last year\u2019s India-Pakistan war and so are we in touch during the regional conflict between the US and Iran,\u201d Dar said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe believe that the EU as an institution embodies the universal ideals of peace, diplomacy, democracy and commitment to human rights,\u201d he said, affirming that Islamabad remained committed to constructive engagement with the EU and its member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the dialogue, Dar said, both sides took stock of progress made on cooperation under the sectors outlined in the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) 2019, including trade, investment, development, human rights, and rule of law, migration and mobility, and security and counterterrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar further noted that the EU was among Pakistan\u2019s major trading partners, with a trade volume of \u20ac12 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistan-EU trade cooperation under the GSP+ framework is a win-win template,\u201d the deputy PM remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur discussions today focused on further enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties between the EU and Pakistan,\u201d Dar reiterated, detailing that both sides also assessed the \u201cfirst-ever Pakistan-EU Business Forum in April as a welcome development\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar expressed hope that the business forum could become a \u201cregular feature\u201d of Pakistan-EU ties. He said the two also held an \u201cin-depth\u201d discussion on regional and global issues, which included the \u201cUS-Iran conflict, the security situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, Europe and the Middle East\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this, Dar expressed appreciation to the Kallas for the EU\u2019s \u201cappreciation and support\u201d to Pakistan\u2019s efforts in the US-Iran conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are humbled by the recognition of our efforts and will continue to work towards finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict,\u201d Dar told Kallas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On India-occupied Kashmir, Dar said he \u201capprised her excellency of our concerns regarding unprovoked Indian aggression and Pakistan\u2019s principal position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, advocating for its resolution according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people in line with UN Security Council resolutions\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also briefed the EU high representative on Pakistan\u2019s position on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), recalling the May 15 supplemental award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistani position on IWT stands vindicated after the court of arbitration\u2019s supplemented award in the IWT proceedings arising from the Ratle and Kishanganga hydroelectric plant disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe award affirms Pakistan\u2019s central position that the treaty places substantive limits on India\u2019s water control capability on the western rivers,\u201d Dar emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two sides also discussed security issues, particularly the terrorist threat that Dar said was emanating from the Afghan soil, stressing that the continued attacks remained a \u201ctop concern\u201d for Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar said that he also urged the need for the \u201cstrengthening multilateralism and consistent adherence to the fundamental principles of the UN charter\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He outlined the need \u201cto address the existing and emerging international challenges in an effective and credible manner\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shifting his attention back to relations with the EU, Dar said that the two sides had reaffirmed their \u201cresolve to transform these relations into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concluding his remarks, Dar voiced optimism that the Kallas\u2019s visit will be \u201cone of the many\u201d she will undertake to Pakistan in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Considerable untapped potential in cooperation\u2019
During their meeting, Dar and Kallas \u201cacknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and agreed to further strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership\u201d, the FO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe two leaders also exchanged views [on] regional and global developments, ahead of the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue which is being held subsequently,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In opening remarks before the dialogue, Dar said, \u201cWe have a great relationship with the EU; there is a great history. Pakistan sees considerable untapped potential in our cooperation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted, \u201cWe have a number of areas where we can work together, particularly trade and many other areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar stressed the need to maintain a frequency of six months\u2019 gap in strategic dialogues, as was the case between the current and the last dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe hold deep appreciation for the EU leadership and your engagement, particularly,\u201d Dar said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that he and Kallas remained in touch on various matters, including the Pakistan-India conflict last year and the ongoing US-Iran war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe keep exchanging notes and you have been very kind,\u201d Dar remarked. \u201cI think this interaction is very welcome,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar mentioned an EU \u201cstrategic vision, which aims at providing long-term direction and strategic cooperation toward partnership\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBuilding upon the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) 2019 and Cooperation Agreement 2004, the proposed vision seeks to elevate our engagement into a more comprehensive and forward-looking framework,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that the \u201cvision document can serve as an important foundation for deepening political understanding, expanding sectoral cooperation and strengthening institutional linkages between Pakistan and the EU\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dar highlighted that the continuation of the strategic dialogue \u201cdemonstrates our shared resolve to impart greater momentum to Pakistan-EU relations and to shape a forward-looking partnership\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He remarked that the two sides had \u201cgreat discussions\u201d in the restricted meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The deputy PM expressed the hope that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would find some time to visit Pakistan, as there was a standing invitation from the prime minister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In her opening remarks, Kallas welcomed the \u201cstrong momentum for EU-Pakistan trade relations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEU remains by far Pakistan\u2019s largest export destination, and I was surprised to hear that it\u2019s actually more than the US and China combined, so we really are your market,\u201d the diplomat pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas said: \u201cThis is really showing that the partnership is not only commercially significant, but it\u2019s also a driver of growth. And beyond trade and investment, there are areas where we can explore the deepening of our ties, when it comes to resilience building, climate, digital infrastructure, and migration mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese are investments in long-term partnership and really looking forward to our discussions today about the regional but also global developments and how we can develop our relationship even further.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas also commended Dar on \u201cfacilitating the talks between the US and Iran\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is a conflict that is having an impact on everybody and the world when it comes to the energy prices, prices of fertilisers, and so this is really what we need to see \u2014 the ceasefire really holding and the talks continuing,\u201d she stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas mentioned Dar\u2019s \u201cconsistent\u201d invitations to her to visit Pakistan. \u201cAs you know, in these calendars there are too few days, but we found this day and I\u2019m happy that we are here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The visiting diplomat said the \u201cmomentum of 2026 is to develop EU-Pakistan relations into a more forward-looking footing\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added: \u201cWe have this contested geopolitical environment, rising tensions everywhere and real risk of escalation and like we were discussing, we also share the priorities when it comes to the rules-based international order that we need to develop further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are working towards global and regional stability, which is in both of our interests. We also promote free and fair trade and investment, and advance sustainable connectivity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier in the day, Kallas was welcomed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Dar and other officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Multidimensional partnership with EU\u2019
According to the FO, Kallas\u2019s visit reflects the growing momentum in high-level political excha\u00adnges and both sides\u2019 commitment to further stren\u00adgthening their multifaceted partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistan deeply values its long-standing, multidimensional partnership with the European Union, which is anchored in shared values, robust economic cooperation, and a mutual commitment to multilateralism,\u201d the FO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kallas will also hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the EU said. The FO confirmed that she was set to meet Pakistan\u2019s \u201csenior leadership\u201d, including the president and the premier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EU is Pakistan\u2019s sec\u00adond-largest trading partner, with the GSP+ status allowing the country to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on European exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The status was granted by the EU in 2014, with the European Parliament unanimously voting in October 2023 to extend it until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the EU, GSP+ status is a special incentive awarded to developing countries to \u201cpursue sustainable development and good governance\u201d in exchange for cutting import duties to zero on two-thirds of the tariff lines of its exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Governments with this status need to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, good governance and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though it has the status, EU Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis said last November that the country needs to \u201cdo better\u201d to fulfil its obligations, specifically on blasphemy, enforced disappearances and minority rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In December 2025, the EU welcomed certain steps taken by Pakistan towards implementing international conventions under the GSP+ framework, while also reiterating the \u201cneed for further reforms in the medium and long term\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Web desk(National Times)- The European Union\u2019s (EU) top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, on Monday termed Pakistan a major regional power and an important partner of the EU as the two sides held a strategic dialogue in Islamabad. Kallas, who serves as vice-president of the Euro\u00adpean Commission and the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":126810,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-126809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n