ISLAMABAD: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has described Pakistan as a “major regional partner” and an “important partner for the European Union,” highlighting Islamabad’s diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, including efforts to prevent escalation between Iran and the United States.
Kallas made the remarks during her first official visit to Pakistan, where she co-chaired the 8th round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. She also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Kallas praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, noting that its mediation efforts had contributed to preventing a full-scale conflict in the Middle East and helping maintain fragile openings for dialogue, including around the Strait of Hormuz. She stressed that continued diplomatic engagement would be essential to sustaining regional stability and addressing complex issues such as nuclear concerns and ceasefire extensions.
On regional security, she urged restraint between Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing that dialogue remains the most effective path to de-escalation. She also reaffirmed that Pakistan has the right to defend itself in accordance with international law.
The EU official underscored the importance of strengthening EU-Pakistan relations, noting that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest export market. She highlighted the significance of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), stating that continued preferential access depends on Pakistan’s progress in implementing international conventions related to governance, environmental protection, labour standards, and human rights.
She also welcomed the growing economic engagement between the two sides, including the upcoming Pakistan-EU Business Forum scheduled for April 2026 in Islamabad, which is expected to further deepen trade and investment cooperation.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the EU delegation, stating that the Strategic Dialogue reflects growing momentum in bilateral relations. He briefed the EU side on Pakistan’s positions regarding Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and multilateral diplomacy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his meeting with Kallas, expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of the dialogue and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation with the EU in trade, investment, climate action, security, migration, and sustainable development. He also appreciated the EU’s support for Pakistan’s regional peace initiatives.
According to a joint communiqué, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism, upholding the UN Charter, and promoting a rules-based international order. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in security, counterterrorism, migration, and labour mobility, including through the Pakistan-EU Talent Partnership Roadmap.
The discussions further covered global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, developments in Lebanon, and the crisis in Afghanistan. Both sides reiterated support for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
Speaking in a televised interview, Kaja Kallas reiterated the importance of regional stability, noting that disruptions in key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz have global economic consequences, including rising energy and food insecurity. She also praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue efforts between Washington and Tehran, calling for continued diplomatic engagement to advance peace initiatives.
Story by Mariana Baabar
