On June 1, 2026, Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to deepen and diversify their strategic partnership during the 8th Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting considered an important milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and regional security dimensions.
The Dialogue was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, who visited Islamabad on an official trip to engage in high-level consultations.
During the extensive discussions, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan–EU relations and assessed progress under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP). They also outlined priorities for future cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding trade, strengthening investment linkages, and enhancing institutional collaboration.
A key focus of the Dialogue was economic cooperation, especially under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework, which continues to serve as a vital pillar of Pakistan’s access to the European market. Both sides also welcomed the outcomes of the first EU–Pakistan Business Forum held in Islamabad earlier this year and agreed on the need to further facilitate private sector engagement and investment flows.
Migration and mobility cooperation were also highlighted prominently in the discussions. Both Pakistan and the EU emphasized the importance of promoting legal migration pathways, strengthening talent partnerships, and addressing irregular migration through structured and mutually agreed mechanisms. The Dialogue reflected a shared interest in building more orderly, safe, and skills-oriented mobility frameworks.
The two sides further exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual concern. Pakistan highlighted its continued commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. The EU appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating regional communication and supporting diplomatic efforts. Both sides reiterated the importance of multilateralism, respect for international law, and dialogue-based approaches to resolving global challenges.
On the sidelines of the visit, Kaja Kallas also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, reviewing regional security dynamics, and maintaining regular high-level political engagement.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan–EU relations and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining momentum through continued dialogue and cooperation. They also agreed to hold the 9th session of the Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, Belgium, next year.
The visit of the EU High Representative was widely seen as reinforcing the importance of Pakistan–EU ties at a time of shifting global dynamics, and as a step toward further deepening cooperation in trade, security, migration, and institutional engagement.
