Brussels (TDI): Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have called on Afghanistan’s de facto rulers to take concrete steps to eliminate terrorism from Afghan territory, highlighting the importance of cooperation for regional stability.
The appeal came during the seventh Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired in Brussels last week by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas.
A joint statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the discussions also focused on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations in the wake of cross-border tensions in October 2025. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, stressing the need for dialogue between neighbouring countries.
The statement noted Pakistan and the EU’s concern over Afghanistan’s worsening socio-economic situation and stressed the importance of a peaceful, self-reliant Afghanistan that contributes to regional stability. The EU praised Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan nationals over the past four decades and underscored that any repatriation must be safe, dignified, and in line with international standards.
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“Both sides called upon the Afghan authorities to ensure the protection of human rights, particularly for women, girls, and vulnerable communities,” the statement added.
The dialogue also reviewed broader EU-Pakistan cooperation under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, with commitments to deepen collaboration across political, economic, trade, development, migration, climate, and security sectors. Ongoing partnerships through Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe were welcomed, alongside pledges for stronger joint efforts on food and energy security and climate change.
The partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable growth, trade development, and the GSP+ framework, which remains central to EU-Pakistan relations. The EU also briefed Pakistan on updates to the GSP framework and both sides reiterated their dedication to human rights and fundamental freedoms, Geo News reported.
Regional and global issues were discussed, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Both parties welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, urging all sides to maintain it, facilitate humanitarian access, and prioritise stabilization and reconstruction. They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions.
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The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, and a rules-based international order. Both sides agreed to host the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.
