Pakistan, EU urge Afghanistan to play practical role in eliminating terrorism
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
The Taliban regime was urged to ensure that the Afghan government plays a practical role in eliminating terrorism.
The call was given in the declaration of seventh Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and European Union (EU) held on Saturday, Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas in Brussels, said the press release.
Pakistan and the EU discussed border tensions in October between the neighbouring countries and stressed on holding dialogues for regional peace and resolution of other issues. Both sides urged the Afghan interim authorities to take serious measures against terrorists.
The statement expressed concern over Afghanistan’s deteriorating economic situation and said that peace, stability, and an inclusive political process in Afghanistan are essential for the region’s interests. The EU appreciated that Pakistan has been hosting millions of Afghan refugees for the past 40 years, and stressed that any repatriation process should be safe, dignified, and in accordance with international laws.
They discussed Gaza situation and welcomed the consensus reached on the first phase of President Trump’s plan and emphasized that all parties must implement the ceasefire, ensure timely completion of all phases of the agreement, and guarantee reconstruction and access to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Both sides also reiterated their support for the two-state solution.
Both sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations, cooperation under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), and future joint objectives. They agreed to further enhance cooperation in the areas of politics, economy, human rights, trade, migration, development projects, and under the EU’s Global Gateway framework.
Pakistan and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to a broad-based, multidimensional and forward-looking partnership anchored in shared values, the UN Charter, multilateralism, and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.
They 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 meeting provided a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations, building on the positive momentum of recent high-level engagements and sustained institutional interactions.
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.
Both sides underlined the importance of coordinated approaches to peace, stability, sustainable development and global challenges such as climate change and connectivity.
According to the declaration, both sides also agreed to further enhance academic and research exchanges through educational programmes Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe. They also expressed their commitment to working together to address new challenges such as food and energy crises and climate change.
The EU acknowledged the continued importance of Pakistan’s GSP+ status, which is considered a major pillar of economic relations between Pakistan and the EU.