Pakistan and EU hold seventh strategic dialogue in Brussels

The seventh strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union was held in Brussels on Saturday which was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Vice-President of the European Union Kaya Kalas, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel. 

Spokesperson of the Foreign Office, Tahir Hussain Andrabi told media that the meeting comprehensively reviewed all aspects of Pakistan-EU relations. 

Andrabi said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to a broad, multilateral and forward-looking partnership based on shared values, the UN Charter, multilateralism, mutual respect and the principles of bilateral cooperation.

Foreign Office Spokesperson said both leaders stressed the importance of further strengthening trade and investment ties. 

Tahir Andrabi said trade relations under the EU's GSP Plus scheme were considered to promote sustainable development, export diversification, job creation and mutually beneficial economic opportunities. 

Spokesperson said the dialogue also provided an opportunity to discuss regional and global issues, including South Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and the wider geopolitical situation. 

The parties stressed the importance of integrated strategies to address peace, stability, sustainable development and global challenges such as climate change and connectivity. 

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP 2019), take forward the ongoing negotiations. The parties agreed to explore new practical opportunities for cooperation in the coming years, Foreign Office spokesperson said. 

DPM, Croatian FM discuss global developments

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has met with Foreign Minister of Croatia Gordan Grlic Radman at the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.

They discussed regional and global developments, advancing political and economic cooperation and enhancing Pak-Croatian engagement bilaterally and at multilateral forums.

The Deputy Prime Minister also invited the Croatian Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan. 

 

DPM Dar holds meets Foreign Minister of Somalia

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Saturday, held a constructive exchange with Foreign Minister of Somalia Abdusalam Abdi Ali on the margins of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.

The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation and supporting regional stability, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release. 

Dar interacts with Italian head delegation, Singapore FM

 Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saturday, had an interaction with Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of Delegation for Italy, on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum in Brussels.

The discussion covered strengthening Pakistan-Italy ties, enhancing economic engagement and collaborating under broader Pakistan-EU frameworks, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

Separately, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar held an informal exchange on the sidelines of the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Forum 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,” it was added. 

Reporter: Anwar Abass