Pakistan Raises Kashmir Issue in EU Strategic Dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the 8th Pakistan–European Union Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad, as both sides reviewed cooperation across political, economic, security, and regional matters.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and concluded with a joint communiqué covering a broad range of issues.

According to the official statement, Pakistan briefed the EU on Jammu and Kashmir, while the EU discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine. Both sides reiterated their support for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and adherence to the UN Charter.

Both sides reviewed the full scope of EU–Pakistan relations under the EU–Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan 2019 and agreed to further strengthen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.

The dialogue reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, and a rules-based international order. Both sides emphasized promoting peace, prosperity, and respect for human rights as core principles of global governance.

The two sides welcomed growing momentum in bilateral relations, including increasing high-level exchanges and the successful holding of the first EU–Pakistan Business Forum in April 2026 in Islamabad, which also launched the EU–Pakistan Business Network to promote trade and investment.

Economic cooperation remained a key focus, with both sides reiterating the importance of the GSP+ framework. The EU briefed Pakistan on updates to the new GSP+ regulation, while Pakistan expressed interest in continued engagement to meet required conditions. Human rights obligations under international law were also reaffirmed.

Security cooperation was discussed, including counterterrorism collaboration and continued coordination under the Strategic Engagement Plan. Both sides also reviewed cooperation on migration, labour mobility, and the implementation of the EU–Pakistan Talent Partnership Roadmap, alongside efforts to combat migrant smuggling and trafficking.

The dialogue also highlighted cooperation on multilateral issues, including support for effective global governance with the United Nations at its center, and coordination on initiatives such as UN80.

On global and regional issues, both sides reaffirmed support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. Pakistan also briefed the EU on Jammu and Kashmir, while the EU shared its position on the Russia–Ukraine war. Both sides reiterated commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomacy under the UN Charter.

The discussions further covered Afghanistan, where concerns were raised about terrorism, human rights, and the need to ensure Afghan territory is not used for cross-border attacks. The EU encouraged de-escalation and respect for international law.

The situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Lebanon was also reviewed, with both sides calling for humanitarian access, de-escalation, and long-term political solutions based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Both sides agreed to continue high-level engagement and decided to hold the 9th Round of the Strategic Dialogue in Brussels at a mutually convenient time.