BRUSSELS: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held high-level talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday, during which both sides pledged to deepen collaboration on regional security, counterterrorism, and shared geopolitical challenges.
The discussions, held at NATO headquarters, also covered the state of Pakistan-US relations, climate change, and broader global developments. Rutte praised Pakistan’s “contributions to regional peace and stability” and acknowledged its counterterrorism efforts, while Dar reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to tackling militancy, emphasizing that threats are “primarily supported and perpetrated from beyond its borders.”
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Dar stressed Pakistan’s pursuit of a “peaceful and stable South Asia” and the need for constructive dialogue. Both officials agreed to expand engagement and cooperation on security challenges. “European and South Asian security are intertwined,” Rutte said, calling close collaboration “essential for promoting stability and prosperity.”
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, met with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte @SecGenNATO, at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels today.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the status of bilateral cooperation and… pic.twitter.com/aPC9PMLQ9f
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 20, 2025
During his three-day visit to Brussels, Dar also met EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen to explore ways to strengthen Pakistan-EU ties ahead of the 7th Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue. Later, he hosted a dinner for European Parliament members at Pakistan House, highlighting investment opportunities in agriculture, textiles, housing, and information technology. Dar noted that Pakistan’s young population—over 60% under 30—positions the country as a rising economy and emphasized the GSP+ trade regime’s role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
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The dinner was attended by senior MEPs, committee chairs, coordinators for South Asia, foreign affairs, trade, security, and senior Pakistani diplomats.