ISLAMABAD: European Union (EU) welcomed the progress made by Pakistan in the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan and commitment to continue engagement to address remaining issues.
EU appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards full implementation of the 27 international conventions stipulated under the EU’s unilateral trade preferences scheme GSP+.
A meeting of Pakistan-European Union Joint Commission was held here at EU Commission Office. Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade, investment for improving the business climate.
The meeting was co-chaired by Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific in the European External Action Service, and Noor Ahmed, Secretary of Economic Affairs Division
The representatives of relevant ministries of the government of Pakistan, EU Ambassador to Pakistan, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the EU and observers from EU member states also participated in the meeting.
EU welcomes Pakistan’s engagement with FATF for different issues. The Joint Commission aimed to provide an opportunity to deliberate and exchange views on all existing areas of cooperation between the EU and Pakistan.
During the meeting, they discussed the long-term socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing vaccination cooperation between EU and Pakistan. The EU also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for sustainable economic recovery after pandemic.
They also exchanged views on climate change, where the EU informed Pakistan about the European Green Deal, connectivity and digitalisation.
From Pakistan’s side, the delegation briefed about various ongoing climate projects, including eco-system restoration, green stimulus and national electric vehicle policy. They also discussed cooperation in the fields of education, culture, science and technology.
While recalling the joint declaration on Afghanistan during the 5th session of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, the EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their strong support for an Afghan peace process and encouraged the stakeholders to resume negotiations in earnest to achieve lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The EU has also appreciated Pakistan’s hosting of millions of Afghan refugees for the past two decades. It assured Pakistan of cooperation towards a durable solution assisting the safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.
Pakistan briefed the EU on the recent developments in the region and reiterated its concerns regarding the human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
