EU foreign policy chief hails Pakistan as Key Regional Power in High-Level Islamabad Talks

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and the European Union ties remained in spotlight as EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Pakistan as key regional power and an important partner, while both sides discussed trade, governance, and escalating global crises. The talks highlighted growing cooperation as well as expectations for reforms under the EU’s trade framework. Kallas called Pakistan “major regional power” and a crucial partner for Europe during high-level talks in Islamabad, as both sides engaged in discussions spanning global conflicts, trade, and security flashpoints. He made remarks while co-chairing the 8th EU–Pakistan Strategic Dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. She said world and region are undergoing “profound changes”, stressing that the EU and Pakistan were meeting at a critical geopolitical moment. She reaffirmed that the European Union remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, exceeding even the combined trade value of the United States and China. A major focus of the talks was Pakistan’s access to the EU’s GSP+ trade preference scheme, under which it is the world’s leading beneficiary. However, Kallas issued a firm reminder that continued preferential access depends on measurable progress in governance, labour rights, environmental protection, and human rights compliance. Despite the conditions, she highlighted expanding cooperation in areas including climate resilience, clean energy, digital infrastructure, migration, and mobility, while also noting strong people-to-people ties. Pakistan, she revealed, has once again topped global rankings in the EU’s Erasmus Mundus scholarships, marking the fifth consecutive year. One of the most striking revelations came as Kallas praised Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement in easing tensions between the United States and Iran. She described Pakistan as a key mediator whose efforts helped prevent escalation toward full-scale war on multiple occasions, adding that Eu