ISLAMABAD: In order to set the wheels of sustained development in motion, Pakistan and the European Union have agreed to work toward a strategic partnership in the fields of investment, energy and trade, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Monday.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with the EU's High Representative and Vice-President, Federica Mogherini, after his arrival in Islamabad on Monday.

After the meeting, Mogherini held talks with Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi.

President Alvi said that Pakistan’s business environment has improved due to the government’s attempts to facilitate foreign investments, inviting the EU community to invest in the country.

In a statement released by his office, Alvi welcomed the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, adding that it could “help create a balance between exercising the right to freedom of expression and incitement/hatred towards religious views and faith".

“The president emphasized that Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whether perpetrated by individuals, groups or states,” the statement read.

President Alvi noted that Pakistan’s exports to the EU have increased by 38 percent, while EU’s exports to Pakistan have grown by 33 percent since the inception of the GSP Plus Scheme in 2014.

“Pakistan sees GSP Plus Scheme as constructive engagement for the betterment of its economy and values EU’s development assistance to Pakistan,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Mogherini said that there is huge potential for economic and trade relations between Pakistan and EU which needs to be fully explored and utilized.