Liaquat Ali
Islamabad: Pakistan and the European Union (EU) this week underscored the importance of sustained diplomacy and continued dialogue as the only viable path to ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.
The understanding emerged during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the evolving regional situation, with particular focus on the security challenges arising from tensions involving the United States and Iran. They agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement and continued dialogue remain essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran despite the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding last month, highlighting the need for continued international efforts to prevent further escalation and preserve regional stability.
Dar and Kallas also exchanged views on the wider implications of the Middle East situation for regional and global security. They discussed its potential impact on international energy markets, maritime security, global trade routes and supply chains, stressing that adherence to international law and diplomatic engagement is critical to addressing these interconnected challenges.
Reaffirming their shared commitment to the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, the two sides agreed to continue close cooperation across political, economic and development sectors, reflecting the importance both attach to their longstanding partnership.
During the meeting, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions underpinning the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework. He emphasized that the preferential trade arrangement remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic relationship with the European Union and contributes significantly to the country’s exports, industrial growth and employment.
The discussion also reflected the broader convergence between Pakistan and the European Union on supporting multilateralism, peaceful conflict resolution and rules-based international cooperation amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
The meeting reinforced the momentum in Pakistan-EU relations, with both sides expressing their resolve to deepen engagement on regional peace, economic cooperation and shared global challenges through sustained dialogue and strategic partnership.
