ISLAMABAD:

In one of the strongest endorsements by a senior European official, the top EU diplomat on Monday praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, crediting Islamabad for preventing a return to full-scale conflict on several occasions.

At a joint press conference after talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, described Pakistan as a “major regional power” with a growing diplomatic profile.

“Pakistan has been the main mediator between the United States and Iran,” Kallas told media representatives, adding that Islamabad’s efforts had helped prevent a return to full-scale conflict on several occasions and were widely recognised and appreciated across Europe.

Kallas is the first EU foreign policy chief to visit Pakistan in seven years. At the press conference, she signalled the 27-nation bloc’s desire to deepen strategic engagement with Pakistan, as both sides explored avenues for expanding cooperation in trade, security, migration, climate resilience and regional peace.

The main highlight of Kallas’s visit was the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, which she co-chaired with Dar. Later, she also held a separate meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The high-profile engagement assumes added significance at a time when Pakistan is seeking inclusion in the EU’s upcoming Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework – a trade arrangement that has been instrumental in boosting Pakistani exports to European markets.

The EU remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, accounting for trade worth around €12 billion annually. Since joining the GSP+ scheme in 2014, Pakistan has enjoyed preferential access to European markets through reduced or zero tariffs on a wide range of products, particularly textiles and garments.

Islamabad now wants to secure its place in the EU’s new GSP+ regulation once the current framework expires. According to a joint communique issued after the Strategic Dialogue, Kallas briefed the Pakistani side on the EU’s new GSP+ regulation, while Pakistan expressed its “keen interest” in becoming part of it.

Both sides agreed to continue working closely to fulfil the relevant conditions necessary for participation. The dialogue reflected the growing momentum in Pakistan-EU relations, with both sides welcoming increasing high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan 2019.

Kallas described Pakistan as a “major regional power” and an important partner for the EU. “Pakistan is a major regional power and an important partner for the European Union,” she said, adding that both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to building a deeper and more forward-looking relationship.

Highlighting the economic dimension of bilateral ties, Kallas noted that the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export market, larger than China and the United States combined. She pointed out that Pakistan is currently the world’s largest beneficiary of the GSP+ scheme. She underlined that continued access depends on progress in implementing international commitments relating to governance, labour rights, environmental standards and human rights.

Beyond trade, she said cooperation was expanding in climate resilience, digital infrastructure, clean energy, migration and mobility, alongside stronger people-to-people contacts. Kallas also praised Pakistan’s educational engagement with Europe, noting that Pakistani students ranked first globally in receiving Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the fifth consecutive year.

Kallas praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. Her remarks reflected a broader European recognition of Pakistan’s emerging diplomatic role, particularly in the Gulf region.

The appreciation was also reflected in the joint communique, where the EU commended Pakistan’s “constructive and meaningful role” in facilitating US-Iran engagement, including hosting the Islamabad Talks. Both sides emphasised the importance of pursuing a negotiated resolution to the crisis and ensuring free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route.

Addressing the joint press conference, Kallas noted that while a fragile diplomatic opening currently existed to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, long-term stability would require broader negotiations encompassing Iran’s nuclear programme and other outstanding issues. She said the EU stood ready to contribute to any long-term settlement through its economic influence, diplomatic relationships across the Gulf and longstanding engagement with Tehran.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Kallas and welcomed the EU’s desire to strengthen ties with Pakistan. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the EU in trade and investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development and connectivity.

The prime minister underscored the importance of GSP+ in strengthening economic relations and highlighted the need for enhanced commercial engagement between Pakistan and the EU. Discussing regional developments, Shehbaz thanked European leaders for supporting Pakistan’s peace initiatives in the Gulf region.

He noted that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were playing a key role in these diplomatic efforts and stressed the need for collective international action to achieve lasting peace.

Shehbaz also briefed Kallas on developments in South Asia and Afghanistan and conveyed invitations to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Pakistan.

Earlier, the Strategic Dialogue covered a wide range of regional and international issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter. They underscored support for diplomacy, mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2788 adopted during Pakistan’s presidency of the Council in July 2025.

On Afghanistan, Pakistan and the EU expressed concern over the presence of terrorist entities operating from Afghan territory and reiterated that Afghan soil must not be used to threaten or attack other countries.

The two sides called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to take effective and verifiable action against all terrorist groups. The EU also encouraged efforts to reduce tensions and address security concerns through dialogue while respecting international law.

Addressing the issue during the press conference, Kallas acknowledged Pakistan’s security challenges and stated that Islamabad had the right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law. At the same time, she urged restraint and de-escalation, warning that prolonged conflict could have serious humanitarian consequences and contribute to instability and radicalisation.

The dialogue also covered developments in the Middle East, including Gaza and Lebanon. Both sides welcomed international efforts to end the war in Gaza and stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access, implementation of ceasefire commitments and advancement of a two-state solution. They also expressed concern over developments in the occupied West Bank and reiterated support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking at the press conference, Dar described the visit as a significant milestone in Pakistan-EU relations and said both sides were in close coordination on major regional and international developments. He revealed that he had remained in regular contact with European leaders during both the Pakistan-India crisis and the ongoing US-Iran tensions, reflecting a relationship based on trust.

Dar said discussions focused on progress under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019, including trade and investment, human rights, migration and mobility, security and counter-terrorism cooperation.

He highlighted the success of the first Pakistan-EU Business Forum held in Islamabad in April and said both sides hoped to institutionalise the event as a regular feature to encourage investment and commercial partnerships.

Dar also thanked the EU for recognising Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the US-Iran conflict. “We are humbled by the recognition of our efforts and will continue to work towards finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict,” he said.

Dar raised concerns over regional security challenges, including unprovoked Indian actions and the continuing threat posed by militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He reiterated Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a peaceful settlement in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

The two sides agreed to hold the 9th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, signalling their shared intention to maintain the current momentum and transform the relationship into a broader strategic partnership.