Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO Headquarters during his three-day visit to Brussels. The officials pledged deeper cooperation on regional security, counter-terrorism, and geopolitical issues.

​During the meeting, discussions covered Pakistan-US relations and the growing instability in South Asia. Mark Rutte commended Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability and its efforts against terrorism.

​Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating militancy but cautioned that the threat facing Pakistan is “primarily supported and executed from outside its borders.” Both leaders agreed to continue cooperation on security challenges and expand their engagement. Rutte emphasized the connection between regions, stating that “European and South Asian security are interconnected.”

​Focus on EU Ties and Investment Opportunities

​In a separate engagement, Foreign Minister Dar also met with European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, to discuss ways to strengthen Pakistan-EU cooperation ahead of the upcoming 7th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue.

​He later hosted a dinner reception for members of the European Parliament. At the event, he urged European businesses to invest in key sectors in Pakistan, including agriculture, textiles, housing, and information technology. Highlighting the role of the GSP+ trade scheme, Dar stated that Pakistan aims to further deepen its political and economic ties with the European bloc, describing the Pakistan-EU relationship as “a pillar for peace, stability, and prosperity.”