Pakistan, EU reaffirm to transform ties into a comprehensive, mutually beneficial partnership

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jun, 2026) Pakistan and the European Union on Monday, highlighting the immense potential of cooperation, reaffirmed their commitment to transform bilateral ties into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership during the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held here.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing the joint press stakeout with European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, described the dialogue as the highest institutionalised forum between Pakistan and the EU.

He noted that the last, the 7th Review, was held in November in Brussels, marking the shortest gap between such engagements in their history.

The two sides reviewed progress on cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019, covering sectors including trade, investment and development, human rights and rule of law, migration and mobility, and security and counter-terrorism.

Dar highlighted that the EU was among Pakistan’s major trade partners and described Pakistan-EU trade cooperation under the GSP+ framework as a win-win template and stated that discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar and the EU High Representative also held an in-depth exchange of views on regional and global issues, including the US-Iran conflict, the security situation in South Asia, Afghanistan, Europe and the middle East.

Dar thanked the EU for its appreciation and supportive role for Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the US-Iran conflict.

He raised concerns regarding unprovoked Indian aggression and reiterated Pakistan’s principled 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.

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

He also shared that Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty stands vindicated after the Court of Arbitration’s supplementary award, which affirmed that the Treaty placed substantive limits on India’s water control capability on the western rivers.

On security issues, Dar emphasised concerns regarding the presence of Fitna Khawarij and Fitna Hindustan elements on Afghan soil and their continued attacks against Pakistan. He stressed the need for strengthening multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter.

In her remarks, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as a major regional power and an important partner for the European Union.

Kallas noted that the EU remained, by far, Pakistan’s largest export destination and that Pakistan was the world’s leading beneficiary of the EU’s GSP+ scheme.

She expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, which have helped prevent a return to full-blown war. She said that the EU was ready to contribute to a sustainable and peaceful solution.

Regarding the situation with Afghanistan, Kallas stated that Pakistan has the right to defend itself and its people in line with international law.

Both leaders expressed resolve to further strengthen EU-Pakistan ties across trade, climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration, mobility, and people-to-people links, including through the Erasmus Mundus scholarship programme.