Brussels, 14 July 2022 (TDI): Pakistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Asad Majeed Khan met with the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), namely Reinhard Bütikofer and Fabio Massimo Castaldo.
The Ambassador highlighted that he had an in-depth discussion with MEP Bütikofer on developments in the region and the Pakistan-EU partnership.
Happy to meet MEP @bueti. Had an in-depth discussion on developments in the region & 🇵🇰🇪🇺 partnership. Look forward to working together to further cement 🇵🇰 🇪🇺 bilateral ties. @Europarl_EN@ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/XvkiSO028l
— Asad M. Khan (@asadmk17) July 13, 2022
In addition to this, the Ambassador also met MEP Castaldo and both sides exchanged views on Pakistan-EU relations as well as regional developments.
Therefore, they both agreed to work closely on promoting parliamentary exchanges in addition to strengthening the Pakistan-EU partnership.
Delighted to meet MEP @FMCastaldo. Exchanged views on 🇵🇰 🇪🇺 relations and regional developments. We agreed to closely work on promoting parliamentary exchanges & strengthening 🇵🇰 🇪🇺 partnership.@Europarl_EN@ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/dKAHNji5cb
— Asad M. Khan (@asadmk17) July 14, 2022
Pakistan-EU relations
The relations between the EU and Pakistan are redefined by the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP). Specifically signed between both sides in 2019 with broader dimensions identified for a mutual relationship.
Therefore, under SEP, the EU-Pakistan relations cover political and security cooperation besides trade and development assistance.
Most importantly, the EU is still the main trading partner of Pakistan and the largest export destination for its exports.
Furthermore, the EU is likewise a major development cooperation provider for Pakistan. Also, both the EU and Pakistan are important political partners.
The European Union Delegation to Pakistan represents the EU on a range of issues that include development cooperation, trade, humanitarian assistance, security, and counter-terrorism. As well as energy, environment, health, transport, migration and climate change.
As political and security relations are getting stronger, it is underscored by the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan 2019.
Recently in June, the EU arranged the 4th EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Peshawar. Thus, specifically meant to assist EU and Pakistani businesses to do further business with each other.
In terms of trade, EU-Pakistan bilateral trade relations are governed by the Cooperation Agreement from 2004.
Increasing bilateral trade and investment is additionally part of the EU-Pakistan 5-year Engagement Plan from 2012.
Above all, Pakistan is a major beneficiary of the trading opportunities provided by the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
Senior year student of International Relations at Kinnaird College.
