A high-level parliamentary delegation from the European Union, comprising 11 members led by Mr Serban Dimitrie Sturdza, met with Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan here at Parliament House on Tuesday.
The meeting served as a platform to discuss key areas of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and the promotion of parliamentary diplomacy.
The Deputy Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union, particularly in the domains of trade, economy, and investment.
He emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy plays a vital role in enhancing people-to-people connections and fostering mutual understanding.
He noted that the relationship between Pakistan and the European Union is built on shared values such as democracy, peace, mutual respect, and international cooperation. The growing collaboration in areas like trade, security, and institutional engagement is a positive and encouraging sign, he added.
Syedaal Khan highlighted that the European Union is one of Pakistan’s major trading partners, and bilateral trade has significantly increased under the GSP Plus scheme.
Welcoming the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum in May 2025, he expressed hope that the event would attract investment in key sectors including IT, renewable energy, agribusiness, and textiles.
Referring to national initiatives such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Syedal Khan underscored Pakistan’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment.
He further stated that Pakistan’s investment framework is aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, offering foreign investors promising opportunities in renewable energy, digital transformation, mineral development, and modern transportation infrastructure.
During the meeting, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, highlighted ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the EU in addressing various national challenges.
She noted that Pakistan’s youth-comprising 60% of the population-are a valuable national asset, and steps are being taken to enhance higher education, including scholarship and student exchange programs.
Senator Rubina Qaim khani noted that numerous EU-supported projects are active in Punjab and emphasized that Sindh also presents vast investment opportunities.
Senator Gurdeep Singh reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening relations with European countries and stressed that religious minorities in Pakistan enjoy full constitutional rights and religious freedom.
The EU delegation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the European Union’s desire to enhance cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors.
In conclusion, Deputy Chairman Senate urged EU member states to take a firm stance against the ongoing atrocities and human rights violations in Palestine and occupied Kashmir.
He stressed that a just resolution of these issues is essential for lasting peace and stability. He expressed confidence that the EU delegation’s visit would serve to further deepen bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding, and strategic partnership.