ISLAMABAD, 1 JUN /DNA/ – Pakistan and the European Union held the 8th round of their Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad today, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

In a wide-ranging meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, welcoming recent high-level exchanges and the successful convening of the first Pakistan-EU Business Forum on 28-29 April 2026. The Forum, which also launched the EU-Pakistan Business Network, underscored a mutual commitment to expanding trade and investment ties.

On economic cooperation, the EU briefed Pakistan on its new GSP+ regulation, with Islamabad expressing keen interest in joining the renewed scheme. Both sides agreed to work closely on fulfilling the relevant conditions while reaffirming their commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in international obligations.

The dialogue also covered security cooperation, counterterrorism, and migration. The two sides pledged to implement the Pakistan-EU Talent Partnership Roadmap and to continue joint efforts against migrant smuggling and human trafficking under the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

On multilateral affairs, Pakistan and the EU underscored their shared resolve to uphold the UN Charter, strengthen effective multilateralism, and support the UN80 initiative for a more responsive and cost-efficient United Nations. The EU side commended Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the US and Iran, including hosting the Islamabad Talks, and acknowledged the importance of ensuring free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

On regional issues, Pakistan briefed the EU on Jammu and Kashmir, while the EU briefed on Russia’s war against Ukraine. Both sides expressed support for peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy in line with UN Charter principles.

Regarding Afghanistan, both sides expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist entities on Afghan territory and called on the de facto authorities to take verifiable action against all terrorist groups. They also noted with concern the deteriorating human rights situation, particularly restrictions on women’s and girls’ access to education, public life, and fundamental freedoms.

On the Middle East, both sides welcomed international efforts to end the war in Gaza, emphasized the need for full adherence to ceasefire commitments, and called for an end to violence and illegal settlement activities in the Occupied West Bank. They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN resolutions. The two sides also expressed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability.

The 9th round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue will be convened in Brussels at a mutually agreed date.