European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called today for the continuation of negotiations between the US and Iran while praising Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides, reports Anadolu.

“It is a conflict that is affecting everyone in the world when it comes to energy prices, (and) fertilizer prices. So this is what we need to see a lasting ceasefire, (and) ongoing talks,” she said. Kallas in opening remarks at the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad alongside Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

She praised Islamabad for helping to facilitate direct talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a negotiated solution to the conflict.

Pakistan is currently mediating between the US and Iran in an effort to end the war that began on February 28. The fighting stopped on April 8 after Islamabad helped secure a ceasefire.

“We have this contested geopolitical environment, tensions everywhere. We have a real risk of escalation and we also share priorities when it comes to the rules-based international order that we need to develop further,” Kallas said.

The visit marks her first trip to Pakistan since taking on the role of EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice president of the European Commission.

“We are working towards global and regional stability, which is in our interest”, she said. Pointing to what she described as a strong moment in bilateral relations, Kallas called for a more forward-looking partnership between the EU and Pakistan.

The EU’s top diplomat said discussions with Minister Dar will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including climate, digital infrastructure, migration and mobility as well as regional and global developments.

Dar stressed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue. strategic between Pakistan and the EU. He said he has remained in close contact with Kallas on a range of issues, including last year’s Pakistan-India conflict and the ongoing US-Iran war.

The EU is Pakistan’s second largest trading partner. Under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), Pakistan enjoys duty-free or reduced-duty access for many exports to European markets.

The status, first granted in 2014, was extended until 2027 after the European Parliament voted in October 2023 to extend the agreement to eligible developing countries, including Pakistan.

Source: prizrenpost