Pakistan Sees Untapped Potential in EU Cooperation, Dar Tells Kallas in Islamabad Meeting
June 2026 | By Azad News
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan sees “considerable untapped potential” in expanding cooperation with the European Union during a high-level meeting with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Islamabad.
The visit comes as both sides prepare for the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, which serves as the highest-level structured platform for discussions on political, economic, and security cooperation.
Dar highlighted that Pakistan and the EU share a long-standing relationship and stressed the need to further deepen collaboration, particularly in trade, investment, and development-focused sectors.
He noted that both sides should maintain regular engagement through strategic dialogues and build stronger institutional linkages to enhance long-term cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister also said Pakistan and the EU had exchanged views on regional and global developments, including ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges affecting multiple regions.
Dar referred to the importance of advancing a proposed EU strategic vision that builds on existing agreements, including the Strategic Engagement Plan 2019 and earlier cooperation frameworks.
He added that such a framework could help expand political understanding, strengthen sectoral cooperation, and improve long-term institutional partnerships between Pakistan and the EU.
European Commission Vice President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} welcomed the strengthening of EU-Pakistan relations and highlighted the importance of expanding trade and investment ties.
She noted that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest export destination and emphasized the importance of continued economic cooperation under the GSP+ framework.
Kallas also pointed to potential areas of future collaboration, including climate resilience, digital infrastructure, migration, and sustainable connectivity.
Both sides also discussed regional and global developments, including efforts to promote stability, strengthen international cooperation, and support a rules-based global order amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The EU delegation also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue on broader international issues, including diplomatic engagement involving regional conflicts.
Kallas is also scheduled to meet Pakistan’s top leadership, including the President, Prime Minister, and senior military officials during her visit.
Conclusion
The meeting reflects both sides’ intent to deepen strategic, economic, and diplomatic cooperation, with a focus on expanding trade, strengthening institutions, and addressing shared global challenges.
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