The European Union and Pakistan have jointly called for a credible political process in Afghanistan aligned with the UN-led Doha framework, urging the Taliban to fulfill their international commitments amid growing regional and humanitarian concerns.
The appeal came during the seventh round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels on Nov. 21, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both sides expressed concern over Afghanistan’s worsening socio-economic conditions and stressed the need for a peaceful, stable and self-reliant Afghanistan that contributes to regional stability.
The EU and Pakistan called on the Taliban to play a constructive role in countering terrorism and to protect the rights of all citizens, particularly women, girls and vulnerable communities.
The talks came amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Taliban following cross-border incidents in October. Both parties reaffirmed their support for regional peace and emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue.
The EU praised Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan nationals for more than four decades and stressed that any refugee returns must be conducted in a safe and dignified manner in line with international norms.
The strategic dialogue also covered broader cooperation under the EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan, including trade, migration, climate change, education and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The two sides committed to strengthening ties in areas ranging from economic development to human rights.
The eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad.
