Pakistan and the European Union have renewed their dedication to a crucial trade and investment partnership, placing the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) at the center of their high-level strategic dialogue held here on Saturday.
The reaffirmation emerged from the seventh Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas. The Foreign Office stated that the session provided a thorough examination of the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
A central topic of discussion was the expansion of economic ties, particularly under the GSP+ arrangement. This scheme, which provides preferential access to the European market for many Pakistani goods, was identified as a significant catalyst for sustainable economic progress, employment, and export diversification.
To maintain its beneficiary status, Pakistan must implement 27 international conventions concerning human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and good governance, a condition underscored during the talks.
The two sides acknowledged that their partnership is founded on shared values, the principles of the UN Charter, and mutual respect.
Beyond trade, the leaders exchanged perspectives on major regional and global developments, including the situations in South Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. They emphasized the necessity of coordinated strategies to advance peace, stability, and climate action.
Both parties confirmed their commitment to the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), agreeing to strengthen cooperation through existing dialogues while exploring new areas for future collaboration.
On the margins of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, Deputy Prime Minister Dar engaged in several bilateral discussions. He held a “constructive” meeting with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdusalam Abdi Ali focusing on regional stability and also conferred with Ambassador Andrea Orizio, the Italian Head of Delegation, about bolstering Pakistan-Italy relations.
In a separate meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, Dar explored expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, and climate resilience, with both sides stressing the importance of regular contact through various international forums.