EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas arrives in Islamabad for 8th Strategic Dialogue

Foreign Office says Strategic Dialogue is the highest-level institutional mechanism between Pakistan and the European Union for structured engagement on political, economic and strategic issues

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 1^st, 2026) European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrived in Islamabad on Monday and was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar ahead of the 8th Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue.

State television ptv showed footage of Kallas being welcomed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she also held introductory meetings with officials.

The European Union’s top diplomat, who also serves as Vice-President of the European Commission, is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Ishaq Dar. She will co-chair the Strategic Dialogue with the Pakistani foreign minister.

According to the Foreign Office, the Strategic Dialogue is the highest-level institutional mechanism between Pakistan and the European Union for structured engagement on political, economic and strategic issues. It said the visit reflects sustained momentum in bilateral relations and both sides’ commitment to expanding cooperation.

The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan places high importance on its “longstanding and multidimensional partnership” with the European Union, which is based on economic cooperation, shared interests and support for multilateralism.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

During the visit, Kallas is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The European Union confirmed that Kallas will also hold a joint press conference with Ishaq Dar at 12:30pm.

Pakistan and the European Union continue to cooperate closely in trade, development, climate change, migration and regional stability, with regular high-level engagements under the Strategic Engagement Plan signed in 2019.

The EU remains Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade ties are supported by the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which grants Pakistan preferential access to European markets for a wide range of exports.

Pakistan was granted GSP+ status in 2014 after committing to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and governance. The European Parliament extended the scheme for developing countries, including Pakistan, until 2027.

Under the framework, the EU has consistently urged continued progress on reforms and implementation of conventions while acknowledging steps taken by Pakistan in recent years.