ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – The 9th meeting of the annual Pakistan – European Union Joint Commission was held in Islamabad on 16 of November 2018.

It was preceded by meetings on trade; development cooperation; and democracy, governance, the rule of law and human Rights from 13-15 November 2018.

The Joint Commission provided an opportunity to exchange views on the priorities of the newly-elected government and to discuss ongoing and future cooperation in areas such as peace and security, migration, trade, human rights, development, energy, climate, education, governance and regional connectivity.

The EU and Pakistan underlined that regional stability is a pre-condition for fostering economic and social development. In this regard, the EU and Pakistan recalled their joint commitment to regional peace.

The EU and Pakistan looked forward to the adoption of the forthcoming EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan, which will further enhance the broad-based partnership and set the agenda for enhanced cooperation in the coming years.

Both the EU and Pakistan, while welcoming cooperation and progress in their relations, reaffirmed the determination to further strengthening the bilateral engagement.

The Pakistan delegation was led by Mr. Noor Ahmed, Secretary Economic Affairs Division. The EU delegation was led by Ms. Paola Pampaloni, EEAS Deputy Managing Director Asia-Pacific.

The next Joint Commission will take place in Brussels in 2019.

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