Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have agreed to continue cooperation on emerging challenges of energy, food security, and climate change, underlining sustained engagement, especially in areas such as trade, human rights, migration, political, economic and development cooperation.
The bilateral relations and cooperation were discussed in the 14th Pakistan-European Union Joint Commission meeting which discussed recent political developments besides the ongoing formation of the new College of Commissioners, according to a joint press release issued on Friday.
The EU reiterated the significnce of political pluralism, independent media, vibrant civil society, democratic values, judicial independence, and international human rights standards, which are necessary for democratic elections.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of all human rights, including female and children’s rights, labour and migrant rights, as well as fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of opinion.
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Pakistan presented its reform agenda, including in the framework of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, National Action Plan on Human Rights, as well as actions towards the full implementation of twenty-seven international conventions related to GSP+.
Pakistan and the EU also exchanged views on freedom of religion and the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable segments as well as concerns about anti-Muslim hatred.
The meeting of the Pakistan-EU Sub-group on Trade also preceded the Joint Commission in which both sides acknowledged the significance of a robust multilateral trading system and discussed recent developments at the multilateral, and bilateral levels.
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Both sides acknowledged that since the grant of GSP status in 2014, the bilateral trade ties have made notable strides.
In the meeting of the Sub-Group on Development, both sides agreed on the continued relevance of main priority areas under the ongoing Multi-annual Indicative Programme, including Green Inclusive Growth, Human Capital/TVET, and governance.
