ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as a “major regional power”, said the European Union (EU) Vice President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Kaja Kallas on Monday, attributing Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to contribute in preventing the escalation of a wider conflict in West Asia.
During the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, Kallas complimented Pakistan for enabling dialogue between the U.S. and Iran during the recent tensions in the region, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
She said Pakistan was helping to create an atmosphere conducive for diplomacy to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, adding Islamabad has helped prevent a “full-blown war” on several occasions.
“Pakistan has played a crucial role as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran and has helped to de-escalate tensions in the region from further escalation,” Kallas said. She further said that Pakistan’s endeavors were well recognized and appreciated all across Europe.
After the Strategic Dialogue, the two sides issued a joint communiqué reiterating their support to intensify cooperation within the framework of Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan and deepen their cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides reiterated the need for continued cooperation in the framework of the GSP+ Communiqué said. Kallas briefed the Pakistani officials with regard to the EU’s imminent GSP+ arrangements, and Pakistan showed high interest to be part of the new scheme when it comes into effect.
The conversation also included regional and international developments like Afghanistan, Kashmir and Russia- Ukraine conflict.
As per the joint statement Pakistan discussed the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and the European Union discussed the developments in the war in Ukraine. Both parties affirmed the importance of settling conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy based on the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The visit highlighted the expanding nature of Pakistan-EU cooperation and both the parties agreed to strengthen the cooperation in both political and economic fields and cooperate in addressing regional and global issues.
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