Key Takeaways
- Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met European Commissioner Magnus Brunner in Islamabad.
- Discussions focused on ways to strengthen cooperation on migration and mobility.
- Pakistan highlighted its efforts to curb irregular migration and combat human trafficking.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Islamabad on Tuesday. The meeting aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation on migration and mobility, key areas of the Pakistan–EU Strategic Engagement Plan (2019).
During the discussions, the DPM/FM expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in Pakistan–EU relations and highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to curb irregular migration and combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking. He emphasized the need for greater opportunities for legal migration for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals.
Commissioner Brunner appreciated Pakistan’s progress in curbing irregular migration and noted the potential for expanding legal pathways for migration. Both parties agreed that practical outcomes from this meeting could benefit both sides, reinforcing the strategic partnership between Pakistan and the European Union.
The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with the European Union and expressed hope that the Commissioner’s visit would lead to tangible results. The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing migration challenges and promoting legal migration.
The discussions covered various aspects of migration, including the need for a balanced approach that addresses both irregular migration and the legal migration of skilled workers. Both sides agreed to work towards creating a conducive environment for legal migration, which would benefit both Pakistan and the European Union.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, and the need for comprehensive policies to manage migration flows effectively.
Both parties agreed to continue their dialogue and work towards practical outcomes that would strengthen the bilateral relationship. The DPM/FM and Commissioner Brunner expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan–EU cooperation in the field of migration and mobility.
