ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and the European Union ties remained in spotlight as EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as key regional power and an important partner, while both sides discussed trade, governance, and escalating global crises. The talks highlighted growing cooperation as well as expectations for reforms under the EU’s trade framework.
Kallas called Pakistan “major regional power” and a crucial partner for Europe during high-level talks in Islamabad, as both sides engaged in discussions spanning global conflicts, trade, and security flashpoints. He made remarks while co-chairing the 8th EU–Pakistan Strategic Dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
She said world and region are undergoing “profound changes”, stressing that the EU and Pakistan were meeting at a critical geopolitical moment. She reaffirmed that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, exceeding even the combined trade value of the United States and China.
A major focus of the talks was Pakistan’s access to the EU’s GSP+ trade preference scheme, under which it is the world’s leading beneficiary. However, Kallas issued a firm reminder that continued preferential access depends on measurable progress in governance, labour rights, environmental protection, and human rights compliance.
Despite the conditions, she highlighted expanding cooperation in areas including climate resilience, clean energy, digital infrastructure, migration, and mobility, while also noting strong people-to-people ties. Pakistan, she revealed, has once again topped global rankings in the EU’s Erasmus Mundus scholarships, marking the fifth consecutive year.
One of the most striking revelations came as Kallas praised Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement in easing tensions between the United States and Iran. She described Pakistan as a key mediator whose efforts helped prevent escalation toward full-scale war on multiple occasions, adding that Europe widely recognizes and values this role.
She also pointed to a fragile diplomatic opening for extending ceasefire arrangements and reopening strategic maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. However, she warned that any temporary truce must evolve into broader negotiations addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and regional stability. The EU, she said, stands ready to contribute through diplomacy, economic tools, and maritime engagement.
On the other hand, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar called Kallas’s visit a major milestone, noting that recent engagement between Islamabad and Brussels has reached unprecedented frequency. He said both sides reviewed progress under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, covering trade, investment, development, governance, human rights, migration, security, and counterterrorism cooperation.
Dar highlighted that bilateral trade with the EU stands at around €12 billion, calling the GSP+ framework a “win-win partnership.” He also expressed optimism that the newly launched EU–Pakistan Business Forum could become a regular fixture to boost economic ties.
Two sides also shed light on global crises, including US–Iran tensions and Middle East instability, security challenges in South Asia, Afghanistan’s ongoing instability and broader European and regional security concerns.
Dar said Pakistan appreciated the EU’s recognition of its diplomatic efforts during regional crises.
EU foreign policy chief arrives in Pakistan for 8th Strategic Dialogue
