On 21 November, the seventh round of the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Dialogue was held in Brussels, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.
While the dialogue covered broad bilateral relations and cooperation under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan, regional security and the situation in Afghanistan were central to discussions. In the context of October 2025 Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions, both sides emphasized the need for dialogue-driven solutions and stronger regional cooperation to ensure peace and stability. Pakistan and the EU called on Afghan interim authorities to take serious and sustained measures against terrorism, highlighting the continuing threat posed by extremist groups to the region.
The joint statement expressed concern over Afghanistan’s worsening economic situation, noting that sustainable peace, stability, and a comprehensive political process are critical not only for Afghanistan but for the broader South and Central Asian region. The European Union acknowledged Pakistan’s hosting of millions of Afghan refugees over the past 40 years and emphasized that any repatriation must be safe, dignified, and in line with international law.
The dialogue also addressed broader regional challenges, including humanitarian access, reconstruction, and development in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Pakistan, the EU, and international partners to mitigate ongoing crises.
Other issues discussed included Pakistan-EU cooperation in political, economic, and developmental initiatives, human rights, migration, and educational exchanges through programs such as Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe. Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration under the EU’s Global Gateway framework and to jointly address global challenges such as food security, energy crises, and climate change.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to United Nations principles, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. The dialogue concluded with the agreement that the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad.
