Islamabad, 11 August 2022 (TDI): The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan paid a tribute to the 75th anniversary of Pakistan by playing the national anthem on the trumpet.
Dr. Riina Kionka paid her tribute to Pakistan in a unique manner to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan.
This unique way to mark the 14th of August when Pakistan obtained independence in 1947 was shared through a special campaign on the social media channels of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan in Islamabad.
The year 2022 also marks the 60th anniversary of Pakistan and the European Union’s diplomatic relations.
On 75th 🇵🇰 Independence Day, 🇪🇺 Amb Dr Riina Kionka, plays Qaumi Tarana on trumpet, as special gesture of honour to 🇵🇰 on 14th August. 2022 marks 60 years of long standing 🇪🇺-🇵🇰 ties making both stronger together.@rkionka @foreignofficepk @eu_eeas#EUPAK60 #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/lf7YHL2oth
— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) August 11, 2022
Dr. Riina Kionka
Dr. Kionka is the current ambassador of the EU for Pakistan. Previously, she served as EU Ambassador in South Africa from 2019 to 2022. She served as a chief foreign policy advisor to the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk from 2014 to 2019.
Prior to this Dr. Kionka led the Central Asia Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS). Before this, she led Human Rights for the EEAS and earlier at the EU’s Council Secretariat from 2007.
Dr. Kionka deputized as the Director dealing with the United Nations, the Americas, counterterrorism, and human rights at the Council Secretariat from 2004.
Also read: Pakistan Foreign Minister meets EU High Representative
European Union and Pakistan
The Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) redefined EU-Pakistan relations with its signing in 2019. Areas of cooperation under the SEP include peace and security, democracy, rule of law, human rights, and migration but also sectors such as energy, climate change and science and technology.
In Pakistan, the EU is committed to a stable, democratic and pluralistic country. A state that respects human rights and benefits from its full economic potential by supporting sustainable and inclusive development for all its citizens.
The EU remains the main trading partner of Pakistan and the largest export destination for its exports. EU is also a major development cooperation provider for Pakistan.
The EU supports Pakistan’s integration into the world economy and its sustainable economic development. EU has granted Pakistan preferential access to the European single market under the GSP+ system since 2014.
Since 2009, the EU has provided Pakistan with €565 million. Relief items are also being channeled to victims of floods and severe weather.
In 2019, the EU continued to support people affected by conflict and those suffering from malnutrition and food insecurity, as well as Afghan refugees in the country.
