"PMO Press Release no 377 /2026Prime Minister OfficeMedia WingNew York: 23 September, 2026Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Antnio Lus Santos da Costa and the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen on the sidelines of UN General Assembly 2026Prime Minister held a meeting with President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Antnio Lus Santos da Costa and the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms.Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen on the sidelines of the UnitedNations General Assembly in New York.The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-European Union relations and expressed satisfaction at the growing momentum in high-level exchanges and engagement between Pakistan and the EU.The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistans commitment to further strengthening its broad-based partnership with the European Union and to the full implementation of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.He underscored the importance of sustained leadership-level engagement in providing greater direction and momentum to the relationship.The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of GSP Plus for Pakistans economic development, employment generation and trade with the European Union, and reiterated Pakistans commitment to continued engagement with the EU under the framework.The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission to visit Pakistan and spoke of his desire to continue working closely with the EU leadership to further deepen the mutually beneficial partnership."
On September 23, 2026, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting with H.E. Mr. Antnio Lus Santos da Costa, President of the European Council, and H.E. Ms. Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The meeting took place during the UN General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the importance of multilateral dialogue in addressing global challenges.
The relationship between Pakistan and the European Union has historically been multifaceted, covering economic, political, and social dimensions. Recently, various high-level exchanges between the leaders have highlighted the evolving partnership, reflecting mutual interests in trade, security, and regional stability.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistans commitment to an expanded partnership with the EU, emphasizing the implementation of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan. This initiative aims to bolster economic ties and promote sustainable development in Pakistan. The Prime Ministers focus on the GSP Plus framework was particularly notable; it has been instrumental in fostering economic growth and generating employment opportunities within the country, offering Pakistan preferential trade access to the EU market.
The dialogue between Pakistan and EU leadership comes at a crucial time, marked by regional tensions and global issues such as climate change and migration. Leaders emphasized the importance of diplomacy and international law, which is vital for peaceful conflict resolution. The positive tone of these discussions indicates a strong recognition of Pakistan as a key player in regional stability.
In a forward-looking gesture, Prime Minister Sharif extended invitations to President da Costa and President von der Leyen to visit Pakistan, underlining a proactive approach to deepen the relationship. Such visits could pave the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including trade, education, and climate action. The sustained engagement between Pakistan and the EU offers a promising avenue for collaborative efforts to tackle pressing issues while fostering mutual growth.
