EU support sought for legal migration from Pakistan

In the fourth session of dialogue, Pak-EU discuss ways to upgrade existing level of cooperation

Islamabad on Wednesday raised the issue of support for legal migration from Pakistan and visa facilitation for bonafide citizens with the European Union.

In the fourth session of the Pakistan-EU Political Dialogue, held in Islamabad, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and European External Action Service Deputy Secretary General Jean-Christophe Belliard carried out in-depth review of the current status of Pakistan-EU relations and discussed ways and means to upgrade the existing level of cooperation.

Progress on the future Strategic Engagement Plan, which is aimed at raising the level of relationship and broadening engagement, was also undertaken.

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"The Foreign Secretary acknowledged EU’s support to Pakistan on GSP Plus Scheme as well as various Pakistani institutions working in the spheres of strengthening of democracy, governance, rule of law, energy, trade and investment, human rights and migration," a statement issued said.

The EU delegation was briefed on Pakistan-India relations, including gross human rights violation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Afghan peace process, Pakistan’s role at SAARC, ASEM and ECO as well as connectivity with Central Asia. Views on other regional and international issues were also exchanged.

EU recognized Pakistan’s achievements in peace and security, contribution in fight against terrorism and curbing of illegal migration. Acknowledging that Pakistan-EU relationship was multi-dimensional, the EU side expressed a keen desire to further broaden engagement and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

The next Pakistan-EU Political Dialogue would be held in Brussels in 2018 at mutually convenient dates.