Islamabad, 3 August 2022 (TDI): European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionkaaa, called on the Federal Minister for Human Rights of Pakistan, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada.
Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan @RKionka calls on Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada today in his office at Islamabad. Matters of mutual interest and cooperation were discussed in this meeting. pic.twitter.com/mPx7NAWZBJ
— Ministry of Human Rights (@mohrpakistan) August 3, 2022
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various matters of mutual interest. Ways to further enhance the cooperation between the two countries were also discussed.
Moreover, the Federal Minister highlighted the EU’s efforts to cooperate with Pakistan. In doing so, he said that the EU has played a vital role in uplifting the socio-economic situation in Pakistan.
Furthermore, the Minister expressed his hope to further enhance relations between the two sides, especially under the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP).
In 2019, the Strategic Engagement Plan got approval. Additionally, the plan covers cooperation in areas including trade development, security, regional stability, climate change initiatives, and cultural cooperation.
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GSP Plus Scheme
The Minister said that Pakistan highly values its trade relations with the EU. It is also one of the biggest export destinations of Pakistani products.
The Minister noted that the GSP Plus Scheme has particularly helped the Pakistani economy and the import sector recently.
The GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) provides wide-ranging tariff preferences for imports to the EU from developing countries to support poverty eradication, sustainable development and participation in the global economy.
Moreover, Eligible countries can export goods to the EU market at zero duties for 66% of tariff lines. This preferential status is conditional on GSP+ countries demonstrating tangible progress on the implementation of 27 international conventions on human and labor rights, environmental protection, climate change, and good governance.
The Minister stated that we have remained committed to making progress in the 27 international conventions underlined by the GSP Scheme.
In return, Dr. Kionka appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards making progress and commitment to implementing the conventions. Further, she added that the Monitoring Report has also shown satisfaction with Pakistan’s progress.
The Minister stressed close coordination between the two sides to implement GSP rules and conventions effectively.
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EU Ambassador to Pakistan
Lastly, the Minister of Human Rights also welcomed the newly appointed EU Ambassador.
Dr. Riina Kionka is recently appointed as the EU Ambassador to Pakistan. Before July 2022, she was serving as the EU Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa.
Dr. Kionka presented her credentials to the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, on 1 July 2022 in a formal ceremony in Islamabad.
