EU introduces new ambassador to Pakistan

By News Desk
September 19, 2025
This picture shows the European Union flags fluttering outside the European Commission building in Brussels. — AFP/File
This picture shows the European Union flags fluttering outside the European Commission building in Brussels. — AFP/File

KARACHI: The European Union’s new envoy to Pakistan, Raimundas Karoblis, has arrived in the country and introduced himself with an energetic video.

On Thursday, the EU Pakistan’s official X/Twitter account welcomed him with the message: “[Meet] Raimundas Karoblis, the EU Ambassador to Pakistan! From cycling to trying local cuisine and exploring the rich culture, he’s excited to connect and explore the vibrant beauty of Pakistan. Welcome to Pakistan.....”

The post was accompanied by a lively video showing Karoblis cycling through what appears to be Islamabad, stopping at a chai stall to sip tea -- which he cheerfully called “Bauhat Aala” -- and wandering through local bookshops, dry fruit stores and shawl shops.

In the video, he introduces himself and says he hopes to “build stronger ties across multiple fronts between the EU and Pakistan”, adding that he is eager to discover more about “this beautiful country”.

The EU delegation to Pakistan had also introduced him on Instagram a few days earlier, highlighting his decades-long career in diplomacy and government.

“We are pleased to introduce Raimundas Karoblis, the newly appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan. With over 30 years of experience in diplomacy, international trade and security, he previously served as Ambassador of the European Union to Tajikistan from 2022 to 2025.

“Ambassador Karoblis had a distinguished career in Lithuania’s diplomatic service, holding senior positions, including Deputy Minister responsible for EU affairs, foreign trade, and sanctions as well as Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the European Union from 2010 to 2015. He also served as Minister of National Defence from 2016 to 2020, overseeing national defence and security. Fun fact: When he’s not in the office, you can find him cycling, hiking, and exploring cultural activities!”

Karoblis formally assumed his role after presenting his credentials to the president of Pakistan last week. He replaces Dr Riina Kionka, who completed her tenure in July.