ISLAMABAD – August 6, 2025 — President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to deepen its relationship with the European Union, citing the bloc’s key role in regional and global stability as well as economic development.
The remarks came during a farewell meeting with Dr. Riina Kionka, the outgoing Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.
Zardari described the EU as a critical partner, noting its substantial role in Pakistan’s trade and investment landscape. “The European Union is not just one of our top trading partners — it’s also central to our broader strategic interests,” he said.
The President emphasized untapped potential in expanding cooperation across various sectors, particularly in development, where Pakistan’s youthful demographic and evolving industrial base could align well with EU support mechanisms.
He pointed to ongoing initiatives like Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe as valuable conduits for Pakistan to continue learning from European expertise. These academic and research collaborations, he said, are key to building long-term capacity in science, technology, and education.
Zardari also underlined Pakistan’s continued commitment to the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, which outlines joint priorities in areas such as trade, climate change, migration, and regional peace.
In his parting message, Zardari thanked Dr. Kionka for her diplomatic efforts during her tenure, crediting her with advancing a more robust and resilient Pakistan-EU relationship.
Dr. Kionka’s departure marks the end of a chapter in what both sides appear keen to frame as a growing and mutually beneficial partnership — one they hope to see thrive in the years ahead.
