In meeting with visiting diplomat, Dar says Pakistan sees considerable untapped potential in cooperation with EU

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday noted there was “considerable untapped potential” for cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union as he met the latter’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, in Islamabad. Kallas, who serves as vice-president of the Euro­pean Commission and the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Dar. Both will co-chair the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, which the Foreign Office (FO) said is the “highest-level platform for structured discussion between the two sides”. “We have a great relationship with the EU; there is a great history. Pakistan sees considerable untapped potential in our cooperation,” Dar said, addressing a press conference. “We have a number of areas where we can work together, particularly trade and many other areas,” the deputy premier noted. According to FO, both sides “acknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and agreed to further strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership”. “The two leaders also exchanged views [on] regional and global developments, ahead of the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue which is being held subsequently,” it added. During his press briefing, Dar stressed the need to maintain a frequency of six months’ gap in strategic dialogues, as was the case between the current and the last dialogue. “We hold deep appreciation for the EU leadership and your engagement, particularly,” Dar said. He added that he and Kallas remained in touch on various matters, including the Pakistan-India conflict last year and the ongoing US-Iran war. “We keep exchanging notes and you have been very kind,” Dar remarked. “I think this interaction is very welcome,” he added. The deputy PM expressed the hope that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would find some time to visit Pakistan, as there was a standing invitation from the prime minister. Earlier in the day, state-run PTV showed visuals of Kal