By The South Asia Times 

ISLAMABAD,-  Pakistan and the European Union agreed to expand cooperation on trade, security, migration, and international diplomacy during the eighth round of their Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad on Monday, while also discussing major global challenges ranging from Afghanistan and Gaza to Ukraine and regional stability in the Middle East.

The talks were co-chaired by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

According to a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-EU relations under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan and agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The two sides emphasized support for multilateralism, the United Nations Charter, human rights, and a rules-based international order, while reaffirming their commitment to diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Pakistan and the EU welcomed the successful holding of the first Pakistan-EU Business Forum in Islamabad in April, which brought together businesses from both sides and led to the launch of the EU-Pakistan Business Network aimed at promoting trade and investment.

The EU and Pakistan also reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework. European officials briefed Islamabad on the bloc's new GSP+ regulations, while Pakistan expressed strong interest in joining the updated scheme. Both sides agreed to work closely to meet the relevant requirements.

Security cooperation, including counterterrorism efforts, was another key focus of the dialogue. The two sides discussed collaboration under the Strategic Engagement Plan and exchanged views on regional security challenges.

On migration, Pakistan and the EU welcomed growing cooperation on labour mobility and pledged to advance implementation of the Pakistan-EU Talent Partnership Roadmap. They also committed to strengthening efforts against migrant smuggling and human trafficking while supporting safe, orderly and regular migration under United Nations frameworks.

The discussions also covered several international crises. The EU praised Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, including hosting the Islamabad Talks. Both sides stressed the importance of resolving disputes through negotiations and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan briefed the EU on the Kashmir dispute, while the European side shared its assessment of Russia's war in Ukraine. Both parties voiced support for resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter.

Afghanistan was another major topic of discussion. Pakistan and the EU expressed concern about the presence of terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory and urged the Taliban authorities to take effective and verifiable action against all militant organizations. They also highlighted concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation, particularly restrictions affecting women and girls, as well as limitations on freedom of expression and media freedoms.

The two sides also discussed the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. They welcomed international efforts to end the war in Gaza, called for unhindered humanitarian access, and reiterated support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They further expressed support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability.

Pakistan and the EU agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and global issues and announced that the ninth round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Brussels.