ISLAMABAD – From grand halls of Moscow to corridors of Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is on major diplomatic journey that could reshape Pakistan’s place on global stage.
After concluding his key SCO moot in the Kremlin, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar embarked on whirlwind diplomatic mission, moving at breakneck speed from Moscow to Brussels in bid to reassert Pakistan’s presence on the global stage. Wrapping up high-powered meetings at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Russia, Dar immediately headed to Belgium for crucial three-day engagement with European Union (EU), underscoring Islamabad’s determination to strengthen both regional and international partnerships.
According to Foreign Office (FO), Dar will co-chair 7th Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue in Brussels from November 19-21 at invitation of Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The dialogue will comprehensively reassess cooperation under the 2019 Pakistan–EU Strategic Engagement Plan, covering political, economic, security, and developmental ties.
Dar’s Brussels visit includes participation in fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, a high-profile gathering of top global players chaired by Kallas. A series of bilateral meetings with senior EU officials is expected to shape Pakistan’s relationship with Europe for years to come.
FO termed this visit as “milestone moment” in bilateral relations and stresed Islamabad’s commitment to building mutually beneficial partnership with 27-member bloc.
In Moscow, Deputy PM thanked Russia’s “warm hospitality,” praising Pakistan’s embassy and FO teams for flawlessly executing a complex diplomatic operation. He held major meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reviewing the entire spectrum of Pakistan–Russia relations. Both sides expressed “deep satisfaction” and agreed to intensify coordination on global platforms, including the United Nations and SCO, signaling growing alignment between the two nations.
Dar also engaged with Qatar’s PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to explore strengthening bilateral relations and expanding regional cooperation, an interaction of strategic importance given Qatar’s influence in Middle Eastern politics and Pakistan’s economic landscape.
Dar also met Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss enhancing collaboration within SCO framework, further solidifying Pakistan’s ties with two of its most influential partners.
