ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to fully implement the Pakistan–European Union Strategic Engagement Plan, calling the EU “a key trade and investment partner” and stressing that stronger ties contribute to regional stability and global peace.

Zardari made the remarks during a farewell meeting with Dr. Riina Kionka, the outgoing EU ambassador to Pakistan, at the President House in Islamabad.

The Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP), signed in 2019, is the main framework guiding Pakistan-EU cooperation on political, economic and security issues, including trade, migration, development, climate change and education.

“Pakistan is fully committed to the implementation of the Pakistan–EU Strategic Engagement Plan,” the president said, according to an official statement issued after the meeting.

“We attach special importance to our multifaceted relationship with the European Union, which plays a vital role in regional stability and global security.”

The SEP also complements Pakistan’s access to the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), a vital EU trade arrangement that grants Pakistan duty-free access to most EU markets in return for progress on human rights, labor standards and environmental protection.

The scheme has significantly boosted Pakistan’s exports to the EU, making it one of the country’s most valuable trade frameworks.

Zardari also praised the EU’s contributions in education and research, especially through initiatives like Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe, which he said offer “valuable academic and research opportunities” to Pakistani youth.

“Shared goals in areas such as trade, climate, migration and regional peace will further strengthen Pakistan-EU cooperation,” the statement quoted Zardari as saying.

The president also acknowledged Dr. Kionka’s role in promoting Pakistan-EU ties during her tenure and extended best wishes for her future endeavors.