Brussels, 30 November 2022 (TDI): The Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary of Pakistan, Jauhar Saleem, participated in the 8th Round of the European Union (EU)-Pakistan Political Dialogue at Brussels on November 29, 2022.
Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Enrique Mora, led the delegation from the EU side. These political dialogues between Pakistan and the EU mark the 60th anniversary of EU-Pakistan relations.
On the day before the above-mentioned dialogue, the Acting Foreign Secretary of Pakistan also participated in the inaugural round of the Pakistan-Luxembourg bilateral political consultation held in Luxembourg City.
It marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Luxembourg.
According to the statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, top EU and Pakistani diplomats expressed satisfaction with the relationship’s trajectory and emphasized the importance of a multifaceted partnership.
Both sides discussed and affirmed their friendly relations on broader issues such as regional and global dynamics during the EU-Pakistan Political Dialogue.
Pakistan and the European Union are anchored to work closely to further deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation.
Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary’s remarks
Acting Foreign Secretary Jauhar Saleem appreciated the EU for providing timely humanitarian assistance to Pakistan for the victims of flood devastation and other calamities.
Pakistan acknowledged the EU’s GSP Plus Scheme as a successful template for trade and development. The acting Foreign Secretary expresses hope to prioritize mutual objectives, including sustainable development, poverty alleviation, & employment generation, in the new GSP Plus scheme.
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Moreover, he conveyed Pakistan’s keenness to expand and diversify the scope of trade, investment, and development cooperation between Pakistan and the EU.
Both sides showed mutual concerns about exploring cooperation under EU flagship programs like Global Gateway and Horizon Europe.
The Acting Foreign Secretary notified the Deputy Secretary General of the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIJOK) & called upon the international community to urge India to honor its commitment to the UNSC Resolution.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on the universal and consistent application of the UN Charter Principles, including non-use or threat of use of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, pacific settlement of disputes, and equal security for all states to ensure lasting peace and security.
Pakistan continues to call for a ceasefire and stresses the need for active diplomacy to negotiate the Ukraine conflict, the Acting Foreign Secretary noted.
Similarly, while discussing the Afghanistan issue, the Acting Foreign Secretary emphasizes the importance of the international community’s continued engagement with the Interim Afghan Government for the well-being and prosperity of the Afghan people.
Both Pakistan and European Union agreed to hold the next Round of the Political Dialogue in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2023.
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