- The meeting reviewed the entire spectrum of relations between Pakistan and the EU, says FO.
- Discussions covered South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East.
- Dar also meets various leaders on the sidelines of the ministerial forum.
Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to a broad-based, multidimensional and forward-looking partnership rooted in shared values, the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.
The decision came as Pakistan and the EU convened the Seventh Strategic Dialogue chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas in Brussels.
According to a statement issued by the FO, the meeting provided a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations, building on the positive momentum of recent high-level engagements and sustained institutional interactions.
Both sides, the FO said, stressed the importance of further deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ arrangement, as a driver of sustainable growth, export diversification, job creation and mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
“The dialogue also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global developments, including South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and wider geopolitical developments,” the statement read.
The FO said Pakistan and EU sides emphasized the importance of coordinated approaches to peace, stability, sustainable development and global challenges such as climate change and connectivity.
“They agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), promote the work of ongoing dialogues and identify concrete ways to expand cooperation in the coming years.”
According to the FO, Dar also held interaction with various leaders on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.
He held “constructive” exchanges with Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdusalam Abdi Ali, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation and supporting regional stability, a foreign ministry spokesman said in a separate statement.
Dar also had an interaction with Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of Delegation for Italy, as the discussion included strengthening Pakistan-Italy ties, increased economic engagement and cooperation under wider Pakistan-EU framework.
He also met Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel as they agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity and climate resilience.
They stressed the importance of staying in regular contact, including through multilateral platforms, to further advance common priorities, the FO said.
