Pakistan pledges full GSP+ compliance

EU’s GSP Plus for Pakistan. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions underpinning the GSP+ framework and underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to its economic partnership with the European Union.

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister met European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, a DPM's Office news release said.

Dar comments came days after the European Commission's latest report on the implementation of the GSP over the 2023-2025 period said that Pakistan had "been facing compliance issues with its GSP+ obligations" and had "regressed in a number of areas while positive change was limited".

The reported noted "issues" in Pakistan's compliance with its commitments under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and cautioned that Islamabad would have to address those shortcomings to qualify under the revised GSP framework.

During the meeting, the two sides underscored that sustained diplomacy remained the only viable and durable path to peace and stability, particularly in the context of the US-Iran situation. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, a DPM's Office news release said.

Russia

Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, and other key areas, as well as enhancing coordination at multilateral forums.

The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed in a meeting between Dar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, ahead of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting.

Bangladesh

Dar also met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman and reviewed the positive trajectory of Pakistan–Bangladesh relations. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.

Sri Lankan FM

Dar and Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath appreciated the positive momentum in institutional engagements, growing economic and trade cooperation, and the successful visit of the Pakistan cricket team to Sri Lanka.