BRUSSELS: The second round of strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union was held in Brussels, during which both sides agreed to further broaden and deepen cooperation under five-year engagement plan.
In the two-day dialogue, the EU representative for foreign affairs and security policy Catherine Ashton represented the European Union while prime minister’s advisor on national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz led Pakistan’s delegation.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed for strengthened dialogue in energy, climate change, research and higher education. They also agreed to enhance dialogue and cooperation for effective implementation of relevant UN conventions in the context of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus.
The premier’s advisor emphasized the importance of support for poverty alleviation, water for drinking and irrigation in remote and arid areas. The EU representatives assured Pakistan of EU’s continued support for democratic institutions and rule of law in the country.
The advisor and the EU representative also discussed matters related to economy, energy, trade and migration, and shared their perspectives on regional and global issues including Afghanistan, India, Middle East and situation in Ukraine.
The third Pakistan-EU strategic dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year.
