The European Union’s top foreign policy official, Kaja Kallas, visited Islamabad on Monday to participate in high-level talks with Pakistan under the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue framework.

She was warmly received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she also met senior officials.

The visit was made at Dar’s invitation and is aimed at strengthening political, economic, and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the European Union.

According to official statements, Kallas, who also serves as vice-president of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, will co-chair the strategic dialogue with Ishaq Dar.

The platform is described as the highest-level structured engagement mechanism between the two sides, focusing on expanding cooperation in multiple sectors.

During her visit, she is also scheduled to meet Pakistan’s top leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.The Foreign Office highlighted that the visit reflects growing momentum in EU-Pakistan relations and a shared commitment to multilateral cooperation.

The EU remains Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, with the GSP+ trade scheme allowing preferential access to European markets in exchange for commitments on human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and good governance.

However, the EU has also emphasised that Pakistan must continue reforms and ensure implementation of international conventions under the GSP+ framework, particularly in areas such as minority rights, enforced disappearances, and legal reforms.The dialogue is expected to reinforce economic ties while addressing governance and human rights concerns as part of long-term cooperation.