“The European Union is a vital partner for Pakistan,” President Zardari said, “and a strong Pakistan-EU relationship contributes meaningfully to regional peace and global security ; Several European Envoys Conclude Tenure in Pakistan
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: The outgoing Head of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, Dr. Riina Kionka, paid a farewell call on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday. Her departure marks the end of a significant diplomatic tenure, during which she played an active role in further deepening Pakistan-EU relations across various sectors.
Welcoming Dr. Kionka, President Zardari appreciated her services and underlined Pakistan’s strong and evolving partnership with the European Union. He stated that the EU remains one of Pakistan’s largest trade and investment partners and emphasized the mutual benefit of continued collaboration in economic, development, and educational domains.
“The European Union is a vital partner for Pakistan,” President Zardari said, “and a strong Pakistan-EU relationship contributes meaningfully to regional peace and global security.” He also noted the potential for expanded cooperation, particularly considering Pakistan’s large youth population and growing industrial base.
The President lauded the EU’s ongoing support through flagship initiatives such as Erasmus Mundus and Horizon Europe, which, he said, were instrumental in fostering academic excellence and innovation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the implementation of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, which serves as a roadmap for cooperation in trade, development, climate change, migration, and regional stability.
President Zardari extended his best wishes to Dr. Kionka in her future endeavours and acknowledged her valuable contributions to Pakistan-EU relations during her time in Islamabad.
Dr. Kionka is not the only European envoy concluding her tenure in Pakistan this summer. Ambassadors of Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands are also set to depart, marking the end of a diplomatic cycle that has seen deepened engagement between Pakistan and European countries.
Observers note that the simultaneous exit of several European envoys comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to boost trade, attract foreign investment, and engage more deeply with global partners on climate and migration issues. The incoming European diplomats will be expected to carry forward the momentum built over recent years and explore new avenues of cooperation.
As Pakistan navigates complex regional and global challenges, its ties with the European Union and its member states remain a cornerstone of its foreign policy, especially in areas of economic resilience, education, and sustainable development.
