Pakistan, EU agree to strengthen engagement at multiple levels

(Karachi) Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to strengthen engagement at multiple levels, a statement issued by Foreign Office stated on Wednesday.

As per details, both sides held sixth round of Political Dialogue in a virtual session. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood represented Pakistan while Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary General of European External Action Service (EEAS) led the EU side.

The Political Dialogue covered a broad-ranging agenda- including Pakistan-EU bilateral matters and exchange of views on regional and international issues.

EU key partner

On the occasion, the foreign secretary said that Pakistan attaches key importance to EU as an international partner.

He added that Pakistan wants to expand the existing collaboration, especially in trade, investment, education, science and technology, people-to-people contacts, human rights and development cooperation.

Sohail maintained that the government attaches great importance to upholding human rights, besides Pakistan’s commitment towards implementation of the 27 UN conventions related to the GSP Plus scheme. He also highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to counter-terrorism and addressing illegal migration, and called for opening new channels of legal migration.

Coronavirus pandemic

Regarding COVID-19, the foreign secretary said the Government of Pakistan has taken effective measures to counter the coronavirus situation and limiting its impact on lives, livelihoods, and the economy.

He said that the government imposed ‘smart lockdown’ and the strategy proved to be a success. He mentioned that Pakistan is being acknowledged by the international community, including the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘success story’.

The foreign secretary acknowledged the importance of mutually-beneficial GSP Plus status granted by the European Union to Pakistan. He stated that the COVID-19 had had a detrimental effect on the world trade, including Pakistan’s exports to the EU.

He hoped that Pakistan and the European Union could work together to increase trade in diversified fields.

Afghan peace process

Sohail Mahmood said Pakistan played positive role in initiating the process of intra-Afghan talks.

He said the historic opportunity created by the US-Taliban Peace Agreement and commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations should be seized by all Afghan stakeholders a comprehensive political settlement.

He stressed the importance of reduction in violence leading to ceasefire, and also underscored the significance of the international community’s close economic engagement with Afghanistan for reconstruction and economic development.

Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir

The foreign secretary Mora that India has been committing grave human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. He added Modi-led Indian government illegally ripped the region of its special status and is a threat to peace and stability in the region due to its aggressive behaviour.

He said that international community's measures to address the human rights violations in the valley, defuse tensions, and facilitate a peaceful solution in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people is appreciable.

Islamophobia

While highlighting the issue of increasing Islamophobia globally, the foreign secretary expressed hope that steps would be taken to ensure responsibility while exercising freedom of speech.