EU's Kallas praises Pakistan's role in facilitating US-Iran talks

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Monday called for continued negotiations between the US and Iran, while praising Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides. "It is a conflict that is having an impact on everybody in the world when it comes to energy prices, (and) prices of fertilizers. So, this is really what we need to see ceasefire holding, (and) talks continuing," Kallas said at the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad.

Pakistan's mediation

She commended Islamabad for helping facilitate direct talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement to the conflict. Pakistan is currently mediating between the US and Iran to end the war that began on Feb. 28. The fighting was halted on April 8 after Islamabad helped secure a ceasefire.

Geopolitical environment

"We have this contested geopolitical environment… tensions everywhere, we have real risk of escalation… and we also share the priorities when it comes to rules-based international order that we need to develop further," Kallas said. The visit marks her first trip to Pakistan since assuming her role.

EU-Pakistan relations

Dar stressed the importance of maintaining regular strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the EU. The EU is Pakistan's second-largest trading partner. Under the GSP+ scheme, Pakistan enjoys duty-free or reduced-duty access for many exports to European markets.