Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to a broad and forward-looking partnership during the seventh strategic dialogue held in Brussels on Saturday. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and EU Vice-President Kaya Kalas, according to details shared by 24NewsHD.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the dialogue offered a comprehensive review of all aspects of Pakistan-EU relations. Both sides reiterated their dedication to a relationship grounded in shared values, multilateralism, mutual respect, and the principles outlined in the UN Charter.

During the talks, the two leaders emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. The role of the EU’s GSP Plus scheme was highlighted as a driver of sustainable development, export diversification, job creation, and wider economic opportunities. Andrabi noted that both sides acknowledged the importance of building a resilient and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

The meeting also covered key regional and global developments, including issues related to South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and broader geopolitical trends. Discussions underscored the need for coordinated strategies to address peace, stability, climate change, connectivity, and sustainable development.

Both sides agreed to advance cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019) and explore new avenues for collaboration in the coming years.

Alongside the strategic dialogue, DPM Ishaq Dar held a series of high-level engagements at the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.

In a meeting with Croatia’s Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, both sides discussed political and economic cooperation while reviewing global developments. Dar also extended an invitation for the Croatian minister to visit Pakistan.

The Deputy Prime Minister also met Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdusalam Abdi Ali, where the two discussed deepening bilateral cooperation and supporting regional stability.

In a separate interaction, Ishaq Dar met Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of the Italian Delegation, to discuss strengthening Pakistan-Italy relations and enhancing economic engagement under broader Pakistan-EU mechanisms.

He also exchanged views with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan and Bangladesh’s Ambassador Khandker Masudul Alam on maintaining positive dialogue and fostering shared understanding on regional and international matters.