BRUSSELS/NEW YORK, (Unib Rashid) – Pakistan held high-level meetings with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with discussions focusing on strengthening the growing Pakistan-European Union partnership.

During the meetings, the Pakistani side held a productive exchange with the EU leadership on bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of sustained high-level engagement to further deepen cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union.

Very good meeting with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz at #UNGA.

The EU values its partnership with Pakistan.

Our Strategic Engagement Plan reflects both the breadth of this partnership and the shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and civic space.

We work… pic.twitter.com/FWPXFBqjKL

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 23, 2026

The vital importance of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) for Pakistan’s trade, economic growth and employment was also highlighted. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the European Union under the GSP+ framework.

The discussions also covered regional and global developments. The Pakistani side underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes in addressing regional and international challenges.

The Pakistani side expressed its desire to welcome both European leaders to Pakistan and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the EU leadership to further advance the mutually beneficial partnership.

The meetings reflected Pakistan’s continued engagement with the European Union on trade, economic cooperation and shared regional and global interests.