Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed the significance of GSP+ status for Pakistan’s trade relations with the European Union (EU) in a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Monday. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), currently underway in New York. The deputy premier highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to its partnership with the European Union, particularly in trade and economic cooperation. He stressed the significance of GSP+ for Pakistan’s trade relations with the EU, the FO said. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with DPM Dar appreciating the EU’s constructive engagement with Pakistan during recent regional developments, as well as its recognition of Pakistan’s efforts towards de-escalation and dialogue. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas @KajaKallas on sidelines of 81st UN General Assembly in New York today.… pic.twitter.com/dB1qS7RgGx — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 21, 2026 He called for a return to “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and full implementation “by all parties” of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran earlier this year, according to the statement. “Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on matters of mutual interest,” the FO added. The meeting took place against the backdrop of an intense engagement between Islamabad and Brussels over a trading scheme and its future. The current EU GSP+ framework is set to expire at the end of this year, and Pakistan must seek inclusion in the successor regime, which would carry more stringent requirements. Though the new trading framework would take effect with the turn of the year, Pakistan and other existing beneficiaries will continue to receive preferences during a two-year transition period ending on Dec 31, 2028. But the transition does not automatically extend the facility for the two years or roll it over into the new scheme. DPM Dar also met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the UNGA session. They reviewed the bilateral relations and agreed on utilising regional forums to address regional challenges and promote dialogue. The FM reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, including through enhanced political engagement, trade and investment, educational linkages and people-to-people exchanges. He appreciated France’s efforts in support of the two-state solution, including its decision to restrict imports of goods from Israeli settlements. Both ministers stressed that the Palestine issue must remain high on the international agenda and underscored the importance of sustained international efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot @jnBarrot, on sidelines of the 81st Session of UNGA in New York. Both sides reviewed Pakistan-France bilateral relations and… pic.twitter.com/EL6VpkwEpt — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 21, 2026 Regarding Iran, both sides exchanged views on the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and regional efforts to address the crisis, and highlighted the importance of implementing the Islamabad MoU. Both ministers also stressed the need to ensure the safety and free flow of maritime traffic and uninterrupted energy supplies, given the wider economic implications of the disruptions. The French foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region and agreed on the importance of utilising regional forums to address regional challenges and promote dialogue Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement on bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest. Dar arrived in New York earlier today to participate in the upcoming high-level week of the 81st session of the UNGA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. According to the Foreign Office, Dar was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Consul General New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai and officers of Pakistan’s Mission to the UN and Consulate in New York. According to the FO, FM Dar "has a full programme of high-level engagements in the week ahead." The foreign minister "will participate in ministerial forums and deliver Pakistan’s statements and interventions on key issues of importance to Pakistan, including bilateral, regional and international priorities across the UN agenda." Alongside accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, FM Dar "will hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts and participate in a range of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly," the FO said. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 arrived in New York to participate in the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He was received by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim… pic.twitter.com/yZ4lqRjL9y — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 21, 2026 The foreign minister departed for New York from Islamabad yesterday. The FO had said that FM Dar would be in New York from September 21 to 25 to attend the UNGA, adding that he had an “extensive and wide-ranging programme” planned during the high-level week. As part of his engagements, the FO said that FM Dar will attend a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, where he will highlight Pakistan’s “unwavering support for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiris.” He will also attend several OIC ministerial meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA, including the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Annual Coordination Meeting and other OIC Contact Group meetings. Read: Mideast turmoil, AI set to dominate UN gathering of world leaders The FO added that FM Dar will attend several high-level meetings on Palestine “as a reflection of Pakistan’s strong support for the Palestinian cause.” These will include a meeting of the Group of Eight Arab Islamic countries and a high-level ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. FM Dar is also scheduled to address a UN Security Council high-level briefing on artificial intelligence, and will additionally attend a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The foreign minister will also chair the meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Council of Ministers. Further, FM Dar will hold bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts from several countries during his visit to New York. “During his extensive engagements, he will highlight Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional and international peace and stability,” the FO had said.