ISLAMABAD, NOV 08 (DNA) – The Fourth Session of Pakistan-EU Political Dialogue was held in Islamabad today. The Pakistan delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, while the EU side was headed by Jean-Christophe Belliard, Deputy Secretary General, European External Action Service.  The two sides carried out in-depth review of the current status of Pakistan-EU relations and discussed ways and means to upgrade the existing level of cooperation. Progress on adoption of Strategic Engagement Plan, which is aimed at raising the level of relationship and broadening engagement, was also reviewed.

The Foreign Secretary acknowledged EU’s support to Pakistan on GSP Plus  Scheme as well as various Pakistani institutions working in the spheres of strengthening of democracy, governance, rule of law, energy, trade and investment, human rights and migration. The issue of support for legal migration from Pakistan and visa facilitation for bonafide citizens, including temporary workers, was raised with the EU side.

The EU delegation was briefed on Pakistan-India relations, including gross human rights violation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Afghan peace process, Pakistan’s role at SAARC, ASEM and ECO as well as connectivity with Central Asia. Views on other regional and international issues were also exchanged.

The EU side recognized Pakistan’s achievements in peace and security, contribution in fight against terrorism and curbing of illegal migration. Acknowledging  that Pakistan-EU relationship was multi-dimensional, the EU side expressed keen desire to further broaden engagement and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation. Interest was also expressed to assist Pakistan through capacity building in carrying out socio-economic reforms.

Pakistan and EU hold regular dialogues at various levels. The Political Dialogue provided a useful opportunity to take stock of overall relations, understand  each other’s views on regional and international issues and discuss different options to further enhance cooperation in diverse spheres.

The next Pakistan-EU Political Dialogue would be held in Brussels in 2018 at mutually convenient dates.