DPM Dar stresses GSP+ importance in meeting with EU top diplomat

• Dar urges full implementation of Islamabad MoU by all parties
• EU-Pakistan Dialogue cooperation reviewed at meeting.
• Dar lauds EU's recognition of Pakistan's efforts towards dialogue.

NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Monday stressed the significance of the GSP+ trade preference scheme for Pakistan's economic ties with the European Union and called for a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the region.

He made these remarks during his meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO).

Highlighting the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation, Dar stressed the centrality of GSP+ to Pakistan's trade relations with the bloc.

He also appreciated the EU's constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments and its recognition of Pakistan's efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue.

He emphasised the importance of returning to the path of diplomacy and ensuring full implementation of the Islamabad MoU by all parties.

Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest, and also exchanged views on regional and global developments.

The meeting built on a strong bilateral foundation established during Kallas's visit to Pakistan in August 2026, during which she described Pakistan as a "major regional power" and an important partner for the EU.

"Today in our strategic dialogue, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening EU-Pakistan ties even further," she had said during that visit.

Kallas had noted that the EU remained by far Pakistan's largest export destination — larger than China and the United States combined — and that Pakistan was the world's leading beneficiary of EU trade preferences under GSP+.

She had also stressed that GSP+ carried clear conditions, including continued progress in implementing international conventions on good governance, environmental protection, labour rights and human rights.

During the August visit, Dar and Kallas had reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the multidimensional Pakistan-EU partnership through delegation-level discussions.

These had centred on expanding trade and economic cooperation under the GSP+ framework, enhancing bilateral investment following the success of the first EU-Pakistan Business Forum held in Islamabad in April, and reviewing ongoing cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue. 

'French FM lauds Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts'

Separately, the deputy prime minister held a meeting with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the 81st session of UNGA.

Both sides reviewed Pakistan-France bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Dar reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, including through enhanced political engagement, trade and investment, educational linkages and people-to-people exchanges.

He appreciated France’s efforts in support of the two-State solution, including its decision to restrict imports of goods from Israeli settlements. Both Ministers stressed that the Palestine issue must remain high on the international agenda and underscored the importance of sustained international efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution.

On the situation concerning Iran, both sides exchanged views on the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and regional efforts to address the crisis, and highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU.

Both Ministers also stressed the need to ensure the safety and free flow of maritime traffic and uninterrupted energy supplies, given the wider economic implications of the disruptions.

The French foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region and agreed on the importance of utilising regional forums to address regional challenges and promote dialogue.

Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.