Pakistan, EU Urge Afghanistan to Take Constructive Role Against Terrorism

Pakistan and the European Union have called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to play a constructive role in rooting out terrorism from Afghan soil, according to a joint statement issued after the seventh Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels on November 21. The dialogue was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas.

The two sides discussed Pakistan-Afghanistan relations amid October 2025 cross-border tensions and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. They also emphasised resolving issues through dialogue between neighbouring countries.

Expressing concern over Afghanistan’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions, Pakistan and the EU underscored the need for a peaceful, stable, and self-reliant Afghanistan. The EU appreciated Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan nationals for over four decades, stressing that any return must be safe, dignified, and in line with international standards. Both sides urged the Afghan authorities to ensure protection of human rights, particularly for women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

Beyond Afghanistan, the dialogue reviewed the EU-Pakistan partnership under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, development, trade, migration, climate, and security areas. They welcomed ongoing collaboration through Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe and pledged stronger joint efforts on food security, energy security, and climate change.

The dialogue reaffirmed the commitment to sustainable growth and trade development, highlighting the central role of the GSP+ arrangement in EU-Pakistan relations. The EU briefed Pakistan on progress toward adopting a new GSP framework, while both sides restated their dedication to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Read More: India Make History with First Blind Women’s T20 World Cup Win

The meeting also included exchanges on global and regional issues. The EU provided updates on Russia’s war in Ukraine, while Pakistan raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Developments in the Middle East were also discussed, with both sides welcoming the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict. They urged all parties to maintain the ceasefire, avoid actions that could jeopardise the agreement, and prioritise humanitarian access, stabilisation, transitional governance, and reconstruction in Gaza. Support for concrete steps toward a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions was reiterated.

Concluding the dialogue, both sides affirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, and a rules-based international order grounded in common interests. They agreed to hold the 8th Round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.