EU, Pakistan hold 10th political dialogue

BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) and Pakistan Thursday held the 10th political dialogue here, covering key issues concerning the EU-Pakistan cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including multilateral cooperation.

Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security-related issues and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Both sides aim to further deepen cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP.

The two sides reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said.

They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025. Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues.

The EU and Pakistan acknowledged the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism.

Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding the international law and sanctity of international agreements/treaties.

The parties exchanged views on the Ukraine situation as well as Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for finding peaceful solutions to the conflicts.

They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire and expressed support for the initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution.

The two sides reaffirmed their aspiration to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue in 2025, underscoring its importance in strengthening Pakistan-EU cooperation. They agreed to hold the next Political Dialogue meeting in 2026 in Islamabad.