Shehbaz Sharif GSP Plus Talks With EU Leaders at UNGA

The Shehbaz Sharif GSP Plus message was clear during his meeting with top European Union leaders. The prime minister said the trade scheme is very important for Pakistan’s economic growth, jobs and exports.

He met European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Shehbaz said Pakistan wants to deepen its ties with the European Union. He also promised to fully carry out the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.

The leaders looked at the whole range of Pakistan-EU relations. They were happy with the growing pace of high-level visits and contacts between both sides.

Had the pleasure of meeting the President of the European Council H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, and the European Commission President H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, on the sidelines of UNGA in New York.

We had a productive exchange on the growing Pakistan-EU partnership and agreed on the… pic.twitter.com/L2NWZunilw

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 23, 2026

The prime minister said regular meetings at the top level can give the relationship a clearer direction. In his view, this would also add more energy to bilateral ties.

On trade, he spoke about the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, also called GSP Plus. He said the scheme helps Pakistan’s economy, creates jobs and supports trade with the bloc. He also repeated that Pakistan will keep working with the EU under this framework.

The leaders also shared views on regional and global issues. They agreed that dialogue, diplomacy, international law and peaceful settlement of disputes remain important.

Ursula von der Leyen said the EU values its partnership with Pakistan. She said the Strategic Engagement Plan shows how wide the relationship is. She added that both sides share a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and civic space.

She also said the EU and Pakistan work together on stability and security.

Von der Leyen thanked Shehbaz for Pakistan’s move to mediate in the conflict between the United States and Iran. She said Pakistan is playing an important role in supporting de-escalation, dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The thanks from the EU chief adds a diplomatic angle to the meeting. It shows that Europe is watching Pakistan’s role in efforts to reduce tension.

The two sides also talked about how to take the partnership forward. This included cooperation on trade and steps to deal with illegal migration.

The mention of illegal migration shows that the partnership is not limited to trade. Both sides see it as a shared issue that needs joint work.

Very good meeting with Prime Minister @CMShehbaz at #UNGA.

The EU values its partnership with Pakistan.

Our Strategic Engagement Plan reflects both the breadth of this partnership and the shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and civic space.

We work… pic.twitter.com/FWPXFBqjKL

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 23, 2026

Shehbaz repeated his invitation to both European leaders to visit Pakistan. He said Pakistan wants to work closely with the EU leadership to build a partnership that benefits both sides.

In simple words, GSP Plus gives Pakistan easier access to European markets for many of its products. That is why Pakistan treats the scheme as a key part of its trade ties with Europe.

Overall, the meeting shows that both sides want a stronger relationship built on trade, security and dialogue. For Pakistan, GSP Plus remains at the centre of that effort.