ISLAMABAD: Ishaq Dar on Monday highlighted “considerable untapped potential” in Pakistan’s relationship with the European Union as he met top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas in Islamabad. The meeting took place ahead of the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, a key platform for structured engagement between the two sides.
Dar said Pakistan and the EU share a long history of cooperation and should now expand collaboration further. Moreover, he stressed that both sides can deepen ties in trade, investment, and multiple other sectors where opportunities remain underutilised.
Strategic Dialogue Focuses on Trade, Diplomacy, and Regional Issues
During the talks, both sides acknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU relations. In addition, they agreed to strengthen their mutually beneficial partnership while exchanging views on regional and global developments ahead of the formal strategic dialogue session.
Dar also emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagement, suggesting that strategic dialogues should ideally take place every six months. Furthermore, he noted continued communication between both sides on major regional issues, including past Pakistan-India tensions and the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
He added that Pakistan appreciates the EU’s consistent diplomatic engagement and remains open to further high-level visits, including a potential trip by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
EU Reaffirms Broad Partnership and Trade Cooperation
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the visit reflects growing momentum in bilateral relations and both sides’ commitment to strengthening a multidimensional partnership based on shared values, economic cooperation, and multilateral engagement.
The EU remains Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, with the GSP+ scheme playing a key role in facilitating exports. However, EU representatives have previously urged Pakistan to further improve implementation of international conventions related to human rights, governance, and environmental standards.
Despite these concerns, both sides continue to express interest in expanding cooperation and sustaining high-level dialogue in the years ahead.
