Brussels: Pakistan and the European Union have committed to strengthening their trade and investment relations through the EU’s GSP+ arrangement. This focus was highlighted during the 7th Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, held in Brussels.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting offered a comprehensive review of Pakistan-EU relations, leveraging recent high-level engagements and sustained institutional interactions. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to a broad-based, multidimensional partnership rooted in shared values, the UN Charter, multilateralism, and mutual respect and cooperation.

Additionally, the dialogue provided a platform to discuss regional and global issues, including developments in South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and wider geopolitical trends. Both sides emphasized the significance of coordinated approaches to peace, stability, sustainable development, and global challenges like climate change and connectivity.

They agreed to reinforce cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), continue work on existing dialogues, and explore new avenues for collaboration in the future.

In parallel, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar engaged with Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Erywan Yusof, in Brussels on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum. They reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Brunei, recognizing the potential to enhance ties in trade, tourism, connectivity, IT, and education sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Japan. He engaged in an informal discussion with Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eri Arfiya, during the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.