EU and Pakistan Commit to Strengthening Ties Under GSP+ Framework

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The European Union (EU) and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework during the 10th Political Dialogue held in Brussels. This dialogue served as a platform to discuss bilateral ties, regional security, and multilateral cooperation, with both sides emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement moving forward.

At the heart of the discussions was the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), signed in 2019, which the EU and Pakistan agreed to continue implementing fully. The SEP provides a broad roadmap for cooperation in political, economic, and social sectors, with both parties showing eagerness to expand collaboration across these areas. Migration issues also featured prominently, with the anticipation of the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue scheduled for later this year, highlighting ongoing efforts to manage migration challenges pragmatically.

Security matters remained a key focus, as both the EU and Pakistan stressed the need for joint action against terrorism and narcotics trafficking. The dialogue underscored the importance of diplomacy and adherence to international law in resolving disputes, including contentious regional conflicts. Notably, the situation in Ukraine and the long-standing tensions in Jammu and Kashmir were discussed, with both sides calling for peaceful resolutions based on international legal principles and the United Nations (UN) Charter.

Humanitarian concerns were addressed as well, particularly the urgent need to improve conditions in Gaza. The EU and Pakistan expressed support for a ceasefire and the pursuit of a comprehensive peace agreement rooted in the two-state solution for Palestine. These statements reaffirm the EU and Pakistan’s shared interest in stability and peace in volatile regions.

Looking ahead, both parties agreed on the importance of continuing their dialogue with plans to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue within the year and to hold the next Political Dialogue meeting in Islamabad. The EU delegation was led by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), while Pakistan was represented by Amna Baloch, Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Overall, the dialogue emphasized pragmatic cooperation and mutual respect, setting a constructive tone for future EU-Pakistan relations despite ongoing global uncertainties.