EU's Kaja Kallas commends Pakistan for facilitating US–Iran talks in meeting with DPM Dar

Urges deeper and more forward-looking cooperation between the EU and Pakistan

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday commended Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran during her meeting in Islamabad with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Speaking at the delegation-level meeting, Kallas thanked Pakistan for the invitation and said she was pleased to finally visit the country, noting that the visit had been repeatedly discussed during earlier conversations with Pakistani officials.

Praising Pakistan, she said, “I really want to commend you on facilitating the talks between US and Iran.”

Referring to global economic pressures, Kallas said instability has wider consequences, adding that it affects “energy prices” and “the prices of fertilisers,” and stressed the importance of maintaining a ceasefire and continuing diplomatic engagement.

Kallas said the European Union and Pakistan should work towards strengthening ties in the coming year, stating that, “The momentum of 2026 is to develop EU-Pakistan relations into a more forward-looking footing.”

She highlighted growing geopolitical tensions and stressed shared principles, saying both sides support “a rules-based international order” and aim to promote “global and regional stability.”

Kallas underlined economic ties, noting, “EU remains by far Pakistan’s largest export destination,” and said she was surprised by the scale of trade, adding that it is “more than the US and China combined.” She said Pakistan continues to benefit from the EU’s GSP+ scheme, calling it a key driver of growth and trade relations.

Beyond trade, she said there is scope to expand cooperation in areas such as climate resilience, digital infrastructure, migration, and mobility, describing these as “investments in long-term partnership.”

Kallas added that both sides should continue discussions on regional and global developments, saying she looked forward to strengthening the relationship further.

Earlier, Dar addressed the delegations, saying that both sides had maintained close contact during recent regional developments, including the Pakistan–India tensions and the US–Iran conflict, reflecting the importance of continuous dialogue.

Dar emphasised the importance of maintaining a six-month interval between strategic dialogues, noting that this pace had been followed between the current and previous round of talks. He expressed appreciation for EU leadership and its continued engagement, saying Pakistan values the interaction at the highest level.

“We keep exchanging notes,” he said, adding that the continued interaction was “very welcome.” He also referred to the EU’s broader strategic vision aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation and guiding future partnership between the two sides.

Dar further expressed hope that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would visit Pakistan in the future, noting that a standing invitation had already been extended by the prime minister.

He said, “We have a great relationship with the EU; there is a great history. Pakistan sees considerable untapped potential in our cooperation.” Dar added that both sides could work together in several areas, particularly trade and other key sectors aimed at strengthening economic engagement.

Restricted meeting

Earlier, the EU foreign policy chief arrived in Islamabad and held talks in a restricted meeting with Dar at the Foreign Office. According to the FO, both sides “acknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and agreed to further strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership.”

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments ahead of the 8th Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue, which is scheduled to take place subsequently.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met with the EU HR/VP Ms. Kaja Kallas @kajakallas, today in Islamabad.

During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the positive trajectory of Pakistan-EU ties and agreed to further strengthen the… pic.twitter.com/O9BoQffcVM

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 1, 2026

The meeting underscored ongoing engagement between Pakistan and the European Union, with both sides expressing commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation on areas of shared interest.

According to a statement issued by the EU on May 30, the foreign affairs representative is in Pakistan for high-level discussions on bilateral relations and cooperation between the European Union and Pakistan. Kallas will also take part as a co-chair in the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue alongside Dar.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrives at the Foreign Office in Islamabad, where she is received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Kallas is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of DPM Dar.@MIshaqDar50… pic.twitter.com/LLcNnwYkx0

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 1, 2026

Kallas - also the European Commission's vice president - will hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The EU is Pakistan's sec­ond-largest trading partner, with the GSP+ status allowing the country to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on European exports. The status was granted by the EU in 2014, resulting in a 108 per cent increase in Pakistani textile exports to the EU due to concessional tariffs.