ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The European Union formally commended Pakistan’s mediation role between the United States and Iran in a joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 8th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad on 1 June 2026, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. The communiqué, of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, states that Kallas “commended Pakistan’s constructive and meaningful role in its mediation efforts between the US and Iran, including by hosting the Islamabad Talks.” Both sides also agreed to convene the 9th round of the Strategic Dialogue next year in Brussels.
The Thursday Times previewed this visit and its significance for Pakistan’s global standing. Read our preview report here.
Paragraph 10 of the joint communiqué is the most significant diplomatic output of the visit. The EU side, in a formal written document, commended Pakistan’s “constructive and meaningful role” in mediating between Washington and Tehran, specifically referencing the Islamabad Talks hosted by Pakistan. The communiqué also states that “both sides highlighted the importance of committing to a negotiated resolution of all outstanding issues, including to ensure free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” Pakistan acknowledged with appreciation the EU’s support for its mediation efforts and the frequent exchanges between EU and Pakistani leadership on the matter.
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas:
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) June 1, 2026
Pakistan is playing an important mediation role between the United States and Iran.
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have helped prevent a return to full-blown war on several occasions, and are recognised and appreciated across… pic.twitter.com/tbhrEpCV8U
The formal written acknowledgement by the EU adds to a week of international recognition of Pakistan’s mediation role. President Trump said he gave Iran a chance because Pakistan asked him to. US Defence Secretary Hegseth called Pakistan’s role an unexpected development and a true friendship. The EU has now added its formal diplomatic voice to that chorus.
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry press release, confirms that Kallas called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and “Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir” during the visit. The leadership of both sides “expressed satisfaction with the upward trajectory of bilateral ties, exchanged views on regional developments, and emphasised the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges.” The meeting with Field Marshal Munir by the EU’s top diplomat reflects the degree to which Munir’s role in the Iran mediation has elevated his profile in international diplomatic circles.
The joint communiqué covers several other significant areas. On Kashmir, the Pakistani side briefed the EU on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides expressed support for peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter. On Afghanistan, both sides expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist entities in Afghanistan and called on the Afghan Taliban authorities to take effective and verifiable action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan, language that directly supports Pakistan’s longstanding position on cross-border terrorism from Afghan soil. On Palestine, both sides supported a two-state solution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions, and called for an end to hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
On trade, Kallas briefed Pakistan on the EU’s new GSP+ regulation. Pakistan expressed keen interest in joining the new scheme. Both sides agreed to continue working closely to fulfil the relevant conditions. The first Pakistan-EU Business Forum, held in Islamabad on 28-29 April 2026, was welcomed in the communiqué as a reflection of both sides’ commitment to expanding trade and investment ties. The EU-Pakistan Business Network launched at the forum will help foster bilateral economic cooperation going forward.
