PM, EU council chief back diplomacy on Middle East crisis, reaffirm trade ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and European Council President António Costa on Monday held a phone conversation in which both leaders voiced concern over the escalating hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region, stressing the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to safeguard regional stability and global economic health.

During the call, the prime minister shared the latest developments on Pakistan’s mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. The EU Council president welcomed Pakistan’s constructive role, endorsing diplomatic measures to restore peace and reaffirming the European Union’s support for ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.

The discussion also turned to economic engagement between Pakistan and the EU. Sharif highlighted Islamabad’s commitment to its partnership with the bloc and underscored the importance of the GSP Plus, which grants developing countries duty-free access to European markets.

In line with this, the prime minister expressed his anticipation for the first-ever Pakistan-European Union Business Forum, scheduled for April 28 and 29 in Islamabad, describing the event as a key platform to expand trade, investment, and business linkages between the two sides.

The conversation also included cordial exchanges, with Sharif conveying his good wishes to Ursula von der Leyen, while recalling that his previously scheduled visit to Brussels in February had to be postponed. President Costa responded positively, saying he looked forward to hosting the prime minister in Brussels at a mutually convenient time.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-EU relations, emphasizing coordinated efforts on trade and regional stability while keeping diplomatic channels active amid rising geopolitical tensions.