Top EU diplomat says Pakistan a major regional power, ‘important partner’
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
The European Union’s (EU) top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, on Monday termed Pakistan a major regional power and an important partner of the EU as the two sides held a strategic dialogue in Islamabad. Kallas, who serves as vice-president of the European Commission and the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy (HR/VP), is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Both co-chaired the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, which is the highest-level platform for structured discussion between the two sides. Addressing a joint press conference, Kallas said, “Pakistan is a major regional power and an important partner for the European Union. “Today, in our strategic dialogue, we affirmed our shared commitment to strengthening EU-Pakistan ties even further,” she stated. ‘Considerable untapped potential in cooperation’ During their meeting, Dar and Kallas “acknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and agreed to further strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership”, the FO said. “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. In opening remarks before the dialogue, Dar said, “We have a great relationship with the EU; there is a great history. Pakistan sees considerable untapped potential in our cooperation.” He noted, “We have a number of areas where we can work together, particularly trade and many other areas.” 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 thi