EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrived in Islamabad on Monday for the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening ties between Pakistan and the European Union, according to Dawn News.
Kallas, who also serves as Vice-President of the European Commission, was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. State-run Pakistan Television broadcast footage of the reception and her meetings with officials.
The strategic dialogue, co-chaired by Dar and Kallas, is regarded as the highest platform for structured engagement between Pakistan and the European Union. The visit reflects the growing momentum in political exchanges and the shared desire of both sides to expand cooperation in a range of areas.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office described the relationship with the EU as a long-standing and multidimensional partnership built on shared values, economic cooperation and support for multilateralism. During her visit, Kallas is also expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of Pakistan-EU relations. The European Union is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, while the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) continues to provide Pakistan with duty-free or reduced-duty access to European markets. The status, first granted in 2014, was extended by the European Parliament in 2023 until 2027.
The GSP+ programme encourages developing countries to pursue sustainable development and good governance in return for trade benefits. Participating countries are required to implement 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and governance.
While acknowledging progress made by Pakistan under the framework, European officials have also stressed the need for further reforms, particularly in areas related to minority rights, enforced disappearances and blasphemy laws. The latest dialogue is expected to review these issues while exploring new avenues for cooperation and mutual growth.
