Pakistan, EU pledge to deepen trade and investment ties via GSP plus scheme during Brussels talks | The Express Tribune

Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ preferential trade scheme, during the 7th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels.

“Both sides underlined the importance of further deepening trade and investment ties, including through the EU’s GSP+ arrangement, as a driver for sustainable growth, export diversification, job creation and mutually beneficial economic opportunity,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.

The talks were co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. The meeting reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and built on recent high-level contacts and sustained institutional cooperation.

The statement said both sides reiterated their intention to pursue a “broad-based, multidimensional and forward-looking partnership anchored in shared values, the UN Charter, multilateralism, and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.”

“The Dialogue also offered an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global developments, including South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and broader geopolitical developments,” the statement added.

Pakistan and the EU underscored the need for coordinated approaches to promote peace, stability and sustainable development. They highlighted shared priorities such as climate change, connectivity and responses to global challenges.

The Ministry further added that both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), advance work on ongoing dialogues and identify concrete avenues for expanded collaboration in the coming years.

Dar holds engagements with other officials at Brussels forum

Separately, Dar met Brunei Darussalam’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato Erywan Yusof, on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.

Dar reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan’s bilateral ties with Brunei, and both sides noted the strong existing cooperation. They also pointed to opportunities to further expand engagements in trade, tourism, connectivity, information technology and education.

Ishaq Dar, also held bilateral discussions with senior officials from Italy, Singapore and Bangladesh on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum.

Dar met with Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of Delegation for Italy, to discuss strengthening Pakistan-Italy ties, enhancing economic engagement, and collaborating under broader Pakistan-EU frameworks, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.

Separately, the Deputy Prime Minister held an informal exchange with Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and Bangladesh’s Ambassador, Khandker Masudul Alam.

“They underscored the importance of maintaining positive dialogue to promote mutual understanding and shared views on current regional and international matters,” the statement added.

The meetings reflect Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to engage key partners in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region amid discussions on trade, regional stability and multilateral cooperation.

Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, held separate bilateral discussions with senior officials from Japan and Croatia on the margins of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.

During an informal interaction with Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eri Arfiya, Dar underscored the longstanding Pakistan–Japan partnership, reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation across political, economic and regional issues.

Separately, Dar met with Croatia’s Foreign Minister, Gordon Radman, where they discussed regional and global developments, advancing political and economic cooperation, and enhancing Pak-Croatian engagement both bilaterally and at multilateral forums.

Dar also extended an invitation to the Croatian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan, reflecting Islamabad’s intent to strengthen ties with European partners.

The meetings form part of Pakistan’s wider diplomatic outreach at the EU Indo-Pacific Forum, aimed at bolstering regional cooperation and economic partnerships.