Islamabad — Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, landed in Pakistan on Monday for the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue — the premier formal forum between the two sides.
According to Beyond Time News, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will co-chair the session with Kallas, who also serves as Vice President of the European Commission.
Key Meetings
Kallas will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir during her visit. A joint press conference with Ishaq Dar is scheduled for 12:30 local time.
She will also engage with academics and think tank representatives — reflecting the EU’s interest in building connections beyond official government channels.
Topics on the Agenda
Discussions will cover trade, climate change, migration, development, and regional stability — all within the framework of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan signed in June 2019.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office described the relationship as grounded in shared values, strong economic ties, and a common commitment to multilateralism.
A Trade Relationship That Speaks for Itself
The EU is Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner. Since Pakistan received GSP+ status in January 2014, exports to the EU have grown by 108 percent, with total bilateral trade rising from €8.3 billion to €14.85 billion between 2013 and 2022.
Pakistani textiles, garments, leather goods, sports equipment, and surgical instruments all benefit from preferential EU market access under GSP+.
The Significance
Kallas’ visit is a clear signal that both sides want to move this relationship forward — at a time when trade, climate, and regional security make deeper EU-Pakistan engagement more relevant than ever.
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