Pakistan, a major regional power, has right to defend its people, says top EU diplomat

• DPM, Kallas co-chair 8th Session of Strategic Dialogue.
• Kallas to meet representatives from think tanks, academia.
• Kallas holds joint presser with Deputy Prime Minister Dar.

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ISLAMABAD: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday said Pakistan had the right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law, while stressing that dialogue remained the best path forward in resolving regional conflicts.

“The recent India-Pakistan tensions could have produced serious consequences and further destabilised the region […] Pakistan had the right to protect itself and its citizens under international law,” Kallas said while delivering the welcoming remarks ahead of the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.

She said the European Union had consistently urged both countries to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation, adding that negotiations rather than air strikes offered the best way forward under the current circumstances.

Kallas noted that a wide range of important issues had been discussed during the strategic dialogue.

Thanking Dar for the warm reception in Islamabad, she said she looked forward to advancing cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union in the years ahead.

The EU foreign policy chief also commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating diplomacy between the United States and Iran, describing Islamabad’s mediation efforts as highly valuable.

She said the US-Iran conflict had exposed the world to a severe energy crisis, highlighting the need for a durable ceasefire and the continuation of diplomatic engagement.

Kallas said the primary objective for 2026 was to make Pakistan-EU relations stronger and more future-oriented. She added that the partnership remained important from a trade perspective and served as a key driver of economic growth.

She further said Pakistan and the European Union shared common priorities regarding regional and global stability, describing Pakistan as a major regional power and an important partner of the bloc.

Earlier, Dar welcomed the EU delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union.

He said the continued engagement of EU leadership and Kallas with Pakistan was highly appreciated and noted that both sides had remained in close contact on regional and international developments, particularly during the India-Pakistan conflict and the US-Iran dispute.

The deputy prime minister said interactions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and European leaders had contributed positively to bilateral relations. He added that the Pakistan-EU Strategic Vision could provide fresh direction to a long-term partnership, while the continuity of strategic dialogue reflected a dynamic and forward-looking relationship.

Dar expressed hope that the latest round of talks would produce meaningful outcomes and emphasised the need to explore new avenues of cooperation and promote shared interests.

He said Pakistan attached great importance to its relationship with the European Union and noted that the last visit by an EU foreign policy chief to Pakistan took place seven years ago.

Dar said both sides had jointly chaired the strategic dialogue and recalled that a previous round of consultations had been held in November last year. He also thanked the EU for its cooperation during the US-Iran crisis.

The foreign minister said discussions also covered security issues and counterterrorism cooperation, including concerns over the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan elements in Afghanistan.

The strategic dialogue marked the eighth formal round of high-level consultations between Pakistan and the European Union, focusing on security, regional developments, trade, economic cooperation and multilateral engagement.

Kallas to meet senior leadership

Earlier in the day, the EU top diplomat was welcomed by DPM Dar ahead of a strategic dialogue being held in Islamabad. Visuals shared by the Foreign Office showed Kallas being welcomed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and meeting officials.

During the visit, Kallas — also the European Commission’s vice president — will also hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the EU said in a separate statement.

Kallas is also expected to meet representatives from think tanks and academia during her stay in Pakistan, reflecting the EU’s broader engagement with policymakers, researchers and civil society stakeholders.

The visit comes as Pakistan and the European Union continue to maintain close cooperation on trade, development, climate issues, migration and regional stability, with both sides seeking to deepen engagement through regular high-level contacts and institutional dialogue.

The EU remains Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, with GSP+ enabling duty-free or low-duty access for many Pakistani exports to European markets.

Pakistan was awarded GSP+ status on 1st January 2014 after the country had ratified 27 international conventions and committed to implement them.

GSP+ has proven to be pivotal for EU-Pakistan bilateral trade ties. From 2014 to 2022, Pakistan’s exports to the EU increased by 108% whereas imports from the EU increased by 65% and the total trade volume increased from 8.3 billion euros in 2013 to 14.85 billion eurors.

The country’s garments, bedlinen, terry towels, hosiery, leather, sports and surgical goods and similar products enter the EU market availing the GSP+ concessions.