Pakistan, EU delegation discuss counter-terrorism, regional security and GSP+ cooperation

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik this week held talks with a European Union (EU) delegation on strengthening Pakistan-EU cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, regional affairs and trade, underscoring the importance of sustained engagement to address shared challenges and promote regional stability.

The delegation, comprising Konrad Duda, Policy Officer for Pakistan at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Piotr Buszta, Head of the Political, Trade and Communication Section at the EU Delegation to Pakistan, called on the minister at the Ministry of Law and Justice.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on regional developments, counter-terrorism cooperation, economic engagement and the future direction of Pakistan-EU relations.

Discussions also covered Pakistan’s role in facilitating peace and dialogue in the Middle East, reflecting the importance of diplomatic engagement and constructive international cooperation amid evolving regional challenges.

Both sides highlighted the need to maintain communication and strengthen coordination on issues affecting regional peace and security. Counter-terrorism remained among the key areas of discussion, reflecting the shared interest of Pakistan and the European Union in addressing security challenges through cooperation and dialogue.

Trade relations and the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework also featured prominently in the discussions. The framework is an important component of Pakistan’s economic engagement with the EU, providing preferential access to the European market subject to compliance with relevant international conventions and monitoring requirements.

The discussion underscored the importance of continued engagement on trade-related matters and the broader economic relationship, which remains a significant dimension of bilateral ties.

Barrister Aqeel Malik emphasised that sustained engagement and constructive dialogue were essential to advancing shared interests, strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting peace and stability in the region.

He highlighted the importance of maintaining close interaction between Pakistan and the European Union to address common concerns and explore opportunities for further collaboration across areas of mutual interest.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation on shared priorities, including security, counter-terrorism, regional developments and trade.

The engagement reflected the continuing importance of Pakistan-EU relations in promoting peace, security and development, while providing a platform for further dialogue on bilateral and regional issues.