Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has discussed Pakistan-EU relations with senior European leaders in New York.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Shehbaz Sharif met European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa.
He also met European Commission President Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen. The leaders reviewed the broader relationship between Pakistan and the European Union.
Both sides noted growing high-level engagement between Pakistan and the EU. They also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its partnership with the European Union. He also stressed the need to fully implement the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of continued leadership-level engagement. He said regular contact could provide greater direction to bilateral relations.
A major focus of the meeting was the EU’s GSP Plus trade arrangement. Shehbaz emphasized its importance for Pakistan’s economic development and employment.
He also linked GSP Plus with Pakistan’s trade relationship with the European Union. Pakistan has benefited from the arrangement since 2014.
Under GSP Plus, Pakistan receives zero or preferential tariffs on nearly 66 percent of EU tariff lines. The arrangement has supported access to the European market.
Official EU figures show strong growth in Pakistan’s exports since the scheme began. Exports to the EU increased by 108 percent between 2014 and 2022.
Total Pakistan-EU trade also increased during the same period. Trade rose from EUR 8.3 billion in 2013 to EUR 14.85 billion in 2022.
The latest EU assessment also shows the continuing importance of GSP Plus. Pakistan remained the largest GSP Plus beneficiary in 2024.
Pakistan recorded EUR 7.5 billion in GSP Plus-eligible exports to the EU in 2024. Textiles and clothing accounted for a major share of these exports.
During the meeting, the leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments. They reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
They also emphasized international law and peaceful resolution of disputes. These issues formed part of the broader discussions between Pakistan and EU leadership.
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated an invitation to the European Council and European Commission presidents. He invited both officials to visit Pakistan.
The prime minister also expressed his desire for continued cooperation with EU leadership. He said Pakistan wanted to deepen the mutually beneficial partnership.
The discussions come as Pakistan continues engaging with the EU over trade and wider cooperation. GSP Plus remains an important part of Pakistan’s economic relationship with the bloc.
Pakistan has also maintained engagement with the EU’s GSP Plus monitoring process. The European Commission published its latest Pakistan assessment in July 2026.
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The meeting provided an opportunity for Pakistan and EU leaders to review existing ties. It also focused on strengthening economic and diplomatic engagement between both sides.
