ISLAMABAD : 01 June 2026 – At the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Ms Kaja Kallas, visited Islamabad to co-chair the 8th session of the Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue today.
The Dialogue provided an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of Pakistan–EU relations, assess progress made under the Strategic Engagement Plan, and chart a future course for further deepening bilateral cooperation.
During the extensive delegation-level discussions held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their multidimensional partnership.
The discussions centred on expanding trade and economic cooperation, including under the GSP+ framework, and enhancing bilateral investment, particularly following the success of the first EU–Pakistan Business Forum held in Islamabad in April this year.
The two leaders also reviewed ongoing cooperation under the Pakistan–EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue. Both sides emphasised the importance of promoting legal pathways for migration and talent partnerships, while effectively addressing irregular migration through structured pathways.
The DPM/FM and the HR/VP also held in-depth discussions on regional and global developments of mutual concern. The DPM/FM elaborated on Pakistan’s constructive and facilitative role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The EU side reiterated its appreciation for Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Both sides underscored the importance of dialogue, adherence to international law, and multilateralism in addressing contemporary global challenges and maintaining regional stability.
During the visit, the HR/VP also called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff & Cheif of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. During the meetings, the leadership of both sides expressed satisfaction with the upward trajectory of bilateral ties, exchanged views on regional developments, and emphasised the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges.
The visit of the EU HR/VP contributed to further strengthening the Pakistan–EU partnership and provided an important opportunity to deepen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
Both sides agreed to hold the ninth session of the Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue next year in Brussels.
Joint Press Communiqué Eighth Round of the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Dialogue on 1 June 2026
1. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Kaja Kallas, co-chaired the 8th Round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad on 1 June 2026.
2. The meeting discussed the broad contours of Pakistan-EU bilateral relations, with special regard to cooperation in political, diplomatic and multilateral avenues under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019. Both sides agreed to continue exploring opportunities to further strengthen relations in all areas of common interest.
3. Both sides exchanged views on the evolving global landscape and underscored their shared resolve to strengthen multilateralism, to uphold the principles and purposes of the UN Charter as the cornerstones of global governance, as well as to promote peace, prosperity and respect for human rights.
4. Both sides welcomed the positive momentum in Pakistan-EU relations, marked by increasing high-level exchanges and timely convening of dialogue mechanisms. They welcomed the holding of the First Pakistan-EU Business Forum, 28-29 April 2026, in Islamabad. The Forum was a reflection of the two sides’ commitment to trade and investment opportunities and attracted significant interest by businesses from both sides. They agreed to consider holding the Business Forum periodically. The Forum also launched the EU-Pakistan Business Network to help foster Pakistan-EU economic cooperation.
5. Underscoring the value of strong economic ties, the EU and Pakistan reiterated the importance of continuing cooperation within the framework of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+).The HR/VP briefed on the EU’s new GSP+ regulation. Pakistan expressed its keen interest in joining the new scheme. Both sides agreed to continue working closely to fulfil the relevant conditions in this regard. Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in international obligations.
6. The two sides discussed cooperation on counterterrorism, as part of their wider engagement on security matters within the framework of the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan.
7. They appreciated the growing level of co-operation on the issue of migration and labour mobility and agreed to continue to work closely towards the implementation of the Pakistan-EU Talent Partnership Roadmap for mutual benefit, while reaffirming their commitment to continue working together on countering migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings in the context of the Global Alliance, as well as on returns and readmission. The two sides reiterated their commitment to cooperate within the framework set by the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
8. The two sides agreed on the need for supporting effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core, in their shared interests of stability, peace and prosperity across the globe. They will continue working together with the UN and all partners in driving forward the UN80initiative to ensure that the United Nations remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive. They re-affirmed commitment to maintain close coordination on regional and global issues based on their shared values and common objectives.
9. Both sides reiterated their unwavering support for upholding the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, notably sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, as well as non-use of force or threat of force in international relations, welcomed the unanimous adoption of resolution 2788 (2025) under Pakistan’s Presidency of the UN Security Council in July 2025, which reaffirmed the Council’s collective commitment to diplomacy, mediation, preventive diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes and confidence-building.
10. Both sides agreed on the importance of respecting international Treaty obligations, bilateral and regional agreements, as well as international law and international humanitarian law. The HR/VP commended Pakistan’s constructive and meaningful role in its mediation efforts between the US and Iran, including by hosting the Islamabad Talks. Both sides highlighted the importance of committing to a negotiated resolution of all outstanding issues, including to ensure free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The Pakistani side acknowledged with appreciation the support extended by EU for its mediation efforts and the frequent exchanges between EU and Pakistani leadership on this matter.
11. The Pakistan side briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The EU side briefed on Russia’s war against Ukraine. Both sides expressed support to peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
12. The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan. They reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist entities in Afghanistan and reiterated that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries. They called on the Afghan de facto authorities to take effective and verifiable action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan. The EU side encouraged reduction in tensions, resolving security concerns and upholding of international law. Both sides also noted with concern the deteriorating situation of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, including restrictions on fundamental freedoms, access to education and participation in public life, as well as freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
13. Both sides discussed the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), and welcomed international efforts to end the war in Gaza. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that all parties adhere to the ceasefire commitments, allow for safe, rapid and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance and work towards a permanent end to hostilities that can allow for efforts to ensure the stabilization, recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. They also expressed concern at the developments in the Occupied West Bank and called for an end to violence and illegal settlement activities. They reaffirmed their support for practical and concrete steps for long term and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution in accordance with international law, the Charter of the UN and relevant UN resolutions.
14. The two sides also discussed the situation in Lebanon. They reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity and stability of Lebanon and agreed on the need for coordinated international efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution.
15. Both sides agreed to convene the 9th Round of the Strategic Dialogue in Brussels.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Meets EU High Representative Kaja Kallas
H.E. Ms. Kaja Kallas, European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, at the Prime Minister House today.
Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Sen. Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attorney General of Pakistan Mr. Mansoor Usman Awan, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials were also present.
The Prime Minister welcomed the EU High Representative and stated that Pakistan was keen to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and the European Union.
While expressing satisfaction at the 8th round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held earlier today, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the EU in key areas including trade and investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity.
In this regard, the Prime Minister highlighted the important role of GSP+ in ensuring stronger trade ties between Pakistan and the EU.
Discussions also focused on the regional and international situation. The Prime Minister thanked the EU leadership for its strong support for Pakistan’s peace efforts in the Gulf region. He said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were playing a crucial role in these efforts. He laid special emphasis on the need for the international community, including the EU to work collectively to ensure lasting peace in the region.
The Prime Minister also shared Pakistan’s perspective on the regional situation in South Asia, as well as on Afghanistan, with the EU High Representative.
He also conveyed his best wishes to EU Council President Antonio Costa as well as to EU Commission President Ms. Ursula von der Leyen and reiterated his cordial invitations to both leaders to visit Pakistan soon.
EU High Representative Kallas appreciated the role played by Pakistan for regional peace and conveyed the EU’s strong interest in deepening strategic engagement with Pakistan.
