Brussels: Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have jointly urged Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to take concrete steps against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of regional peace and stability. The call came during the 7th Round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, co chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas.
The dialogue reviewed progress under the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan (2019) and highlighted plans to strengthen cooperation in trade, sustainable development, and global challenges such as food and energy security and climate change. Both sides also committed to expanding educational and research partnerships through programs like Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe.
Economic cooperation under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) was reaffirmed as a cornerstone of EU-Pakistan relations, alongside a shared commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Regional and geopolitical issues, including the Middle East and Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, were discussed in detail. The leaders welcomed the first phase of the U.S.-proposed Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict. Regarding Afghanistan, they expressed concern over its socio-economic crisis and urged the Taliban to adopt a constructive approach toward eliminating terrorism from Afghan soil.
The two sides agreed to continue this high level engagement with the 8th Round of the Strategic Dialogue scheduled in Islamabad.
