BRUSSELS: Pakistan and the European Union conducted their 10th Political Dialogue in Brussels on Thursday, reaffirming their mutual commitment to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, security, migration, and international affairs.
The high-level dialogue was co-led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, both sides reiterated their dedication to the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), which guides their bilateral partnership.
The EU, being Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, continues to support Pakistan under the GSP+ trade scheme, allowing preferential access to European markets.
Security cooperation was a key focus, with both parties agreeing to intensify efforts in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasized enhanced collaboration in security-related areas.
Regional and global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Indian-occupied Kashmir, were discussed. The two sides called for diplomatic solutions based on international law and urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, strongly supporting a two-state resolution for Palestine.
On migration, both sides acknowledged ongoing collaboration and agreed to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue in 2025. They also planned to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue the same year, with the next Political Dialogue scheduled to be held in Islamabad in 2026.
This renewed engagement with the EU aligns with broader diplomatic developments, including recent U.S. recognition of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, praised by senior American military officials.
