Pakistan and EU Reaffirm Commitment to Engagement Under GSP+ Framework

Brussels: Pakistan and the European Union have reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework. This determination was expressed at the 10th Political Dialogue between the European Union and Pakistan in Brussels on Thursday.

According to Radio Pakistan, the dialogue covered key issues of EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international matters, including multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen discussions on security-related issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to implement the Strategic Engagement Plan signed in 2019, aiming to enhance cooperation in all areas covered under the plan.

The participants acknowledged meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration and expressed intentions to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later this year. Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues.

Both the EU and Pakistan recognized the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics, condemning all forms of terrorism. They agreed on the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve contentious issues and emphasized upholding international law and agreements.

The discussions included views on the situation in Ukraine and Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need for peaceful solutions in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. They also highlighted the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Both parties called for the resumption of a ceasefire and expressed support for initiatives contributing to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine, aligned with the two-state solution. They reaffirmed their aspiration to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue this year, recognizing its significance in strengthening Pakistan-EU cooperation, and agreed to hold the next Political Dialogue meeting in Islamabad next year.

The EU delegation was led by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, and the Pakistani delegation by Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.