Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan-European Union Strategic Engagement Plan will help deepen bilateral engagement between the two sides, especially in the realms of trade, development and climate change.

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Talking to President of the European Council Charles Michel in a telephonic conversation on Wednesday, he said Pakistan attaches importance to its relationship with the European Union.

He reiterated his desire to further deepen and broaden the already existing bilateral cooperative ties with the EU member states.

The Prime Minister, while recalling his earlier conversation with the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, expressed satisfaction over the current trajectory of Pakistan-EU bilateral exchanges and growing cooperation.

He also recalled Pakistan’s long-standing and highly fruitful economic and trade cooperation with the EU, including through the application of the GSP Plus facility, which had enabled Pakistan to enhance its trade with the EU.

On Afghanistan, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, while also highlighting the importance and urgency of taking necessary steps to avert humanitarian and economic crises in that country.

On Ukraine, the Prime Minister spoke of his concern that the ongoing conflict has implications for the developing countries while reaffirming Pakistan’s principled position on the issue.

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He urged the international community to remain engaged in the search of a diplomatic solution to the problem in accordance with the relevant multilateral agreements, international law and the UN Charter.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the serious situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Underlining Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace in the region, including with India, the Prime Minister stressed that peaceful resolution of the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, is indispensable for sustainable peace and security in South Asia.

The Prime Minister also extended a cordial invitation to the EU Council President to visit Pakistan, at an early date.

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