- The meeting reviewed the entire spectrum of relations between Pakistan and the EU, says FO.
- Discussions covered South Asia, Afghanistan and the Middle East.
- Dar also met different leaders on the sidelines of the ministerial forum.
Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive, multidimensional and forward-looking partnership, based on shared values, the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.
The decision came as Pakistan and the EU convened the seventh Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas in Brussels.
According to a statement issued by the FO, the meeting provided a comprehensive review of the entire spectrum of relations between Pakistan and the EU, building on the positive momentum of recent high-level engagements and sustained institutional interactions.
Both sides, the FO said, underlined the importance of further deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ agreement, as an engine for sustainable growth, export diversification, job creation and mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
“The Dialogue also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global developments, including South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and broader geopolitical developments,” the statement read.
The FO said Pakistan and EU parties 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 within the framework of the Strategic Participation Plan (SEP 2019), advance work on ongoing dialogues and identify concrete ways to expand collaboration in the years to come.”
According to the FO, Dar also had an interaction with different leaders on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.
He had a “constructive” exchange with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdusalam Abdi Ali and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation and supporting regional stability, a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a separate statement.
Dar also interacted with Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of Delegation of Italy, as the discussion covered strengthening ties between Pakistan and Italy, enhancing economic engagement and collaboration in broader frameworks between Pakistan and the EU.
He also met with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation on trade, connectivity and climate resilience.
They stressed the importance of staying in regular contact, including through multilateral platforms, to further advance shared priorities, the FO said.
