Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar underscored the crucial role of the GSP+ trade preference scheme in bolstering Pakistan’s economic relationship with the European Union during discussions on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.
In a significant development, Dar met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to its partnership with the EU, especially in trade and economic cooperation. He highlighted the central importance of the GSP+ framework for Pakistan’s trade ties with the bloc and acknowledged the EU’s constructive engagement amid recent regional challenges. Dar called for a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the region and stressed the need for all parties to fully implement the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The two officials agreed to sustain close collaboration on issues of mutual interest while exchanging perspectives on regional and global developments. This meeting reinforced the strong foundation laid during Kallas’s visit to Pakistan in August 2026, when she described Pakistan as a “major regional power” and a key EU partner. At that time, Kallas noted that the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export market, surpassing China and the United States combined, and acknowledged Pakistan as the leading beneficiary of EU trade preferences under GSP+.
Notably, Kallas emphasized that GSP+ benefits are contingent upon progress in areas such as good governance, environmental protection, labor rights, and human rights. During the August visit, Dar and Kallas reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing the multifaceted Pakistan-EU partnership through delegation-level talks focused on expanding trade and economic ties under GSP+, boosting bilateral investment following the success of the first EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad in April, and reviewing cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held talks with France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the UNGA sidelines. Both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and global issues. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s intention to deepen ties through increased political engagement, trade, investment, educational exchanges, and people-to-people connections.
Dar commended France’s support for a two-State solution and its decision to limit imports from Israeli settlements. Both ministers emphasized keeping the Palestine issue prominent on the international agenda and the necessity of sustained global efforts toward a just and lasting resolution.
Regarding Iran, the discussions highlighted the importance of ongoing diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation to address the crisis, as well as the full implementation of the Islamabad MoU. Both ministers also stressed the critical need to safeguard maritime traffic and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies due to the broader economic consequences of any disruption.
France appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at peace and stability in the region and agreed on the value of utilizing regional forums to tackle challenges and foster dialogue. Both sides committed to maintaining close engagement on bilateral and regional matters of shared concern.
Leave an opinion