Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Holds Key Phone Call with European Council President Antonio Costa, Discusses Middle East Tensions and Pakistan-EU Relations
Islamabad: Shehbaz Sharif received a phone call from Antonio Costa during which the leaders engaged in a detailed discussion on the current situation in the Middle East and bilateral relations between Pakistan and the European Union.
Both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions in Iran and the Gulf region and their potential negative impact on the global economy. They emphasized that resolving the crisis is only possible through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Sharif briefed President Costa on Pakistan’s mediation efforts to reduce tensions in the region and the latest developments in this regard.
President Costa expressed strong support for Pakistan’s peace initiatives and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to backing all diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring regional stability. Highlighting the importance of Pakistan-EU relations, Prime Minister Sharif noted that Pakistan values these ties highly and referred to his postponed visit to Brussels last month, to which President Costa responded that he looks forward to welcoming the Prime Minister on mutually agreed dates.
The leaders also discussed the significance of the GSP Plus trade facility, with Prime Minister Sharif noting his anticipation to inaugurate the first ‘Pakistan-European Union Business Forum’ in Islamabad on April 28–29, 2026. He also conveyed his best wishes to Ursula von der Leyen.
