Pakistan, EU reaffirm resolve to transform relations into mutually beneficial partnership

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their determination to deepen bilateral relations and build a stronger partnership that delivers benefits for both sides.

The commitment was reaffirmed during the eighth Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad, jointly chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.

In a joint press stakeout following the meeting, DPM Dar said that the two delegations reviewed the progress achieved under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019.

He said that discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, development cooperation, human rights, the rule of law, migration, mobility, security, and counterterrorism.

The deputy premier noted that the EU remains one of Pakistan’s most significant trading partners, with bilateral trade currently valued at around 12 billion euros.

Describing cooperation under the GSP+ framework as beneficial for both sides, Dar said the talks focused on identifying ways to further strengthen commercial and investment links.

He added that both parties viewed the inaugural Pakistan-EU Business Forum, held in Islamabad earlier this year, as a positive step toward expanding economic engagement.

The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining meaningful and constructive relations with the European Union and its member countries.

Dar said that the dialogue also featured extensive discussions on key regional and international developments, including the ongoing US-Iran tensions, the security environment in South Asia, Afghanistan, Europe, and the Middle East.

He said Pakistan would continue supporting efforts aimed at securing a durable and comprehensive settlement to the US-Iran conflict.

During the meeting, Dar also briefed the EU representative on Pakistan’s concerns regarding what he termed India’s unprovoked actions and reiterated Islamabad’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

He stressed that the issue should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The deputy premier further informed the EU side that Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty had been reinforced by a supplemental ruling issued by the Court of Arbitration in proceedings linked to the Ratle and Kishenganga hydroelectric projects.

Dar said the decision validated Pakistan’s long-standing view that the treaty places clear restrictions on India’s ability to regulate water flows in the western rivers.

The two sides also exchanged views on security-related challenges and terrorism, including the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan elements operating from Afghan territory.

Dar said the continued attacks carried out by these groups against Pakistan remain a major security concern.

Addressing the media, Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as an influential regional player and a valued partner of the European Union.

She said both sides had renewed their commitment to taking EU-Pakistan relations to a higher level, particularly in the area of trade, where cooperation continues to gain momentum.

Kallas highlighted that the EU remains the largest destination for Pakistani exports and noted that Pakistan is the biggest beneficiary of the EU’s GSP+ trade preference scheme worldwide.

She said collaboration is steadily expanding into areas such as climate resilience, digital connectivity, clean energy, migration, and mobility, while people-to-people exchanges continue to serve as an important pillar of the relationship.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating communication between the United States and Iran, Kallas said the country’s mediation efforts have helped avert the outbreak of a broader conflict on several occasions.

She added that these contributions are widely recognized and appreciated across Europe.