Pakistan, EU reaffirm commitment to deepen strategic partnership

Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to press ahead with closer relations, according to Mettis Global. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged full execution of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan during talks in New York with European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting took place on the margins of the 81st UN General Assembly session.

Both sides were pleased with the increasing tempo of senior-level exchanges, and the premier called for continued top-tier interaction to give the ties more momentum. He underlined the value of the GSP Plus scheme for Pakistan's economy, job creation and commerce, and confirmed that Islamabad will keep engaging with the EU under that arrangement.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, stressing peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law. Sharif repeated his invitation for the two EU presidents to visit Pakistan, saying he wants to work with EU leadership to widen a partnership that benefits both sides.