Brussels, 4 October 2022 (TDI): The Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium and the European Union EU met Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Tuesday. During the meeting, the Ambassador updated the MEPs on the situation in Pakistan.
Petras Austrevicius, Peter van Dalen, and Maria Arena joined the Ambassador in the meeting. The three have been serving as the members of European Parliament for years.
Accordingly, the Ambassador highlighted the situation of floods and the destruction caused by the climate crisis.
In response, the MEPs extended their heartiest condolences to the people of Pakistan amid the recent floods. They also expressed their sorrow for the destruction and the loss of lives caused by these floods.
Owing to heavy monsoon rains, many areas of Pakistan are hit by floods. This climate crisis has caused great destruction all over the country.
More than 1500 people have lost their lives due to these floods. Moreover, the infrastructure of many places is destroyed while the economic issues resulting from the floods keep increasing.
To help Pakistan deal with the climate crisis, many countries and organizations, including the EU, sent humanitarian aid.
Also Read: EU increases support for flood victims in Pakistan
Consequently, the three MEPs affirmed to help Pakistan deal with the impacts of the floods.
Moreover, the Ambassador of Pakistan also discussed the human rights situation with the MEPs and agreed to continue such engagements in the future.
Pakistan-EU Relations:
Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the European Economic Community were established in 1962. Their bilateral trade relations are governed by the Cooperation Agreement from 2004. Enhancing bilateral trade and investment is also part of the EU-Pakistan 5-year Engagement Plan from 2012.
The EU is Pakistan’s second most important trading partner, accounting for 14.3% of Pakistan’s total trade in 2020 and absorbing 28% of Pakistan’s total exports. On the other hand, Pakistan was the EU’s 42nd largest trading partner in goods accounting for 0.3% of EU trade.
Also Read: Ambassador of EU calls on Pakistan Army Chief
From 2010 to 2020, EU imports from Pakistan have almost doubled from €3,072 to €5,537 million. Both sides also enjoy positive engagements and partnerships in other fields related to health, food, and the environment.
The EU has also aided Pakistan to support its policies and reforms related to the above-mentioned fields. Moreover, it has also provided humanitarian aid to Pakistan during critical times. During the 2010 floods in Pakistan, the EU provided €150 billion in 2010 and €92.5 billion in 2011 as humanitarian aid.
