ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the European Union during a meeting with the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas at the Prime Minister’s House.
The prime minister thanked the EU leadership for supporting Pakistan’s peace efforts in the Gulf and broader Middle East, and said Islamabad was keen to further strengthen its multifaceted partnership with the bloc.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting reviewed progress made during the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held earlier in Islamabad, with both sides discussing cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the importance of the GSP+ scheme in expanding trade ties between Pakistan and the EU, noting that the European Union remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners.
Discussions also focused on regional developments, including the Middle East, South Asia and Afghanistan. The premier appreciated the EU’s support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at peace and stability in the region and urged the international community to work collectively for lasting peace.
Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as a major regional power and an important partner for the European Union. She said both sides had reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties through strategic engagement.
She noted that the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export destination and said cooperation was expanding in areas including climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration and mobility.
Kallas also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran and said those efforts were recognised and appreciated across Europe.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar termed Kallas’s visit a significant milestone in Pakistan-EU relations and said both sides agreed to transform the relationship into a more comprehensive and forward-looking partnership.
