Latest news with #OlofSkoog
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
EU, Pakistan reaffirm commitment to implement ‘Strategic Engagement Plan'
ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019. Both sides aim at further deepening cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP. The two sides also reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework. Pakistan signs €20mn grant deal with EU to boost governance, business environment They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming at holding the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025. The 10th Political Dialogue between the EU and Pakistan took place on 17 July in Brussels. The dialogue covered key issues of the EU-Pakistan bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, including multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue and discussions on security-related issues. Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues. The EU and Pakistan acknowledged the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties. The parties exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine as well as Jammu and Kashmir. Both sides stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire, and expressed support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution. The two sides reaffirmed their aspiration to convene the 7th Strategic Dialogue in 2025, underscoring its importance in strengthening Pakistan-EU cooperation. They agreed to hold the next Political Dialogue meeting in 2026 in Islamabad. The EU delegation was headed by Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service and the Pakistani delegation by Amna Baloch, foreign secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
17-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan, EU renew GSP+ commitment, discuss counterterror cooperation, Middle East peace efforts
ISLAMABAD: Senior officials from Islamabad and the European Union on Thursday resolved to continue their engagement under the Generalized Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+) framework, discussing counterterror collaboration and peace efforts in Gaza, Pakistan's foreign office said. Europe's GSP+ scheme grants beneficiary countries' exports duty-free access to the European market in exchange for voluntarily agreeing to implement 27 international core conventions, including those on human and civil rights. In October 2023, the EU unanimously voted to extend GSP+ status until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan. Olof Skoog, the deputy secretary general of the European External Action Service and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led the delegations from both sides, as they held the 10th Political Dialogue in Brussels on Thursday. 'The two sides reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework,' Pakistan's foreign office said. 'They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later in 2025.' The statement said both sides also discussed views on regional and global issues, stressing the importance of multifaceted cooperation on security matters, including counterterrorism and counter-narcotics. Both delegations condemned all forms of 'terrorism,' the foreign office said. Brussels and Islamabad discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan as well, pushing for dialogue. 'Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy in order to solve contentious issues and underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements/treaties,' it added. The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, where Israel has killed over 57,000 Palestinians in Gaza in military operations since October 2023. 'They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza,' the statement said. 'Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire, and expressed support for initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine in accordance with the two-state solution.' Islamabad considers EU a vital trading partner. Pakistan has become the largest beneficiary of the GSP+ trade scheme in recent years, with its businesses increasing their exports to the EU market by 108 percent since the trade scheme was launched in 2014.
The National
30-05-2025
- Business
- The National
EU states considering new sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, says senior official
Some EU member states are considering proposing new sanctions against violent Israeli settlers accused of breaching human rights, a senior official from the bloc has said, as international pressure mounts on Israel. Last year, the EU imposed sanctions on five Israeli individuals and three entities, saying they were responsible for "serious and systematic human rights abuses" against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel today is facing growing diplomatic isolation due to its war on Gaza, the chaotic nature of its humanitarian aid scheme and its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. This has all led major European partners to become more critical of it. 'The pressure is increasing, but unfortunately, we have not yet seen the kind of response from Israel that we would expect,' Olof Skoog, deputy secretary-general for political affairs at the European External Action Service, told The National. Last week, in a milestone development, the EU launched a review to assess whether Israel is in compliance with the human rights provisions laid out in its association agreement with the bloc – a move supported by 17 of its 27 member states. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday that Brussels would present formal options in June for foreign ministers to consider. However, suspending the EU-Israel accord outright would require unanimity among all member states, something diplomats say is highly unlikely. 'There's no lack of consensus within the EU in support of the Palestinian people and outrage over the unacceptable humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by some measures, including the blockade from Israel,' said Mr Skoog. 'That's why there has been strong backing for a review of the association agreement, which is based on mutual respect for human rights and international law. 'The review has now begun, but it's too early to say where it will lead. Some of our member states have very close ties with Israel for historical and other reasons. They believe that maintaining direct dialogue is the best way to influence policy changes in Gaza. Others believe it's better to use our association agreement.' While most European countries continue to affirm Israel's right to self-defence, there is horror at the scale of devastation in Gaza. It is the deadliest conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in decades. The Hamas -led attacks on October 7, 2023, killed about 1,200 people, with about 240 taken hostage. Israel's military response has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, health authorities in Gaza have said. 'We've made it clear at the highest levels, including heads of state and government, that Israel has legitimate security concerns, but it must also abide by international humanitarian law,' said Mr Skoog. Growing criticism This week, Germany, which has long been one of Israel's staunchest allies, sharply increased its criticism of the country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the scale of Israel's air strikes on Gaza, while Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the situation in the enclave as an 'unbearable'. Spain and Ireland continue to push for EU-wide recognition of a Palestinian state. France could also formally recognise Palestinian statehood, with President Emmanuel Macron considering the timing of such an announcement ahead of a June peace conference his country is to co-host with Saudi Arabia. France, along with Britain and Canada, this month warned Israel they could impose targeted sanctions if it continued to broaden its war on Gaza and expand settlements in the West Bank. But Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Thursday that 22 new settlements had been approved in the occupied region. 'We know that international pressure has prompted some gestures. For example, last weekend Israel opened limited channels for humanitarian supplies [into Gaza],' said Mr Skoog. 'However, these steps fall far short of what is needed and do not meet the standards of international humanitarian law, including those set by the UN.' Under international pressure, Israel ended an 11-week aid blockade on the enclave 10 days ago. Since then, it has permitted a limited flow of humanitarian supplies through two channels – the UN and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial US and Israeli-backed private organisation that is overhauling the aid distribution system in the embattled strip. The UN has lambasted the involvement of the foundation, warning that it undermines humanitarian principles. Middle East visit Mr Skoog's remarks came during a visit to the UAE, where he co-chaired the fourth high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Emirates alongside Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and the Foreign Minister's Envoy for the EU. The meeting addressed co-operation between the sides and discussed regional and international developments, including the Gaza war, the situations in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen, Red Sea security, the conflict in Sudan and the war in Ukraine, the UAE's Ministry for Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Syria's recovery EU countries on Wednesday passed legislation to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, except those based on security issues. The move is intended to enable the rapid reconstruction of the country after 14 years of civil war. Under the policy, the Syrian Central Bank and other financial institutions will regain access to European financial markets. 'We acted earlier than the US and many others because we believe the developments in Syria are highly significant and could open the door to a better future for the Syrian people,' said Mr Skoog. 'We recognised early on the need to engage with Syria's new leadership to press for our demands – inclusive governance, accountability, reforms, human rights, reconciliation and democratic processes. 'At the same time, we acknowledge their legitimate calls for economic breathing room. To advance our political objectives, we also had to create economic space. 'This doesn't mean that we now leave everything to go its own way. On the contrary, it gives us a platform for dialogue with the Syrian leadership, and a basis for holding them accountable.' He added that, while the EU believes Syria's new leaders are committed to reform, sanctions "can be reimposed – this is not a one-way street". Russia-Ukraine war On the war in Ukraine, the EU official said the US was 'now seeing what we have been seeing for a long time – that it's Russia that can end this war tomorrow, if it wants to". But to reach that point, "we need to maintain pressure on Russia", he added. US President Donald Trump has recently issued sharp criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning him that he is ' playing with fire '. The comments came after Mr Trump called the Russian leader ' absolutely crazy ' at the weekend following a major Russian air strike on Kyiv. Mr Trump also warned that Moscow could face new sanctions. Observers say that, while the US President has complained about continued attacks on Ukrainian cities and the killing of civilians, he has not yet imposed even modest penalties on Mr Putin. Moscow has, meanwhile, proposed a second round of peace talks in Istanbul next week. 'We're already moving ahead with the next sanctions package, and we're doing so because we see it's making an impact,' said Mr Skoog. 'Russia is being forced to pay an increasingly high price to keep its war machinery running. At the same time, we're supporting Ukraine so it can defend itself and enter any peace process from a position of strength.'
Times of Oman
29-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Foreign Minister receives EU official
Muscat: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received here on Thursday Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service. The two sides affirmed the strength of the partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the European Union (EU), emphasising their commitment to enhancing cooperation in diplomatic, political, economic, and technical fields. They discussed developments in the Ukrainian crisis and the Palestinian cause, particularly the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the necessity of a permanent ceasefire and the facilitation of humanitarian aid access. Regarding the US-Iranian talks, the European official commended Oman's prominent role and its tireless efforts in this regard. Both sides expressed their hope that these talks would contribute to strengthening security, stability, and peace. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs.
Arab News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi minister holds talks with Chinese, EU officials on climate, global issues
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir received China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin in Riyadh on Sunday. During the meeting, they discussed strengthening cooperation in climate action and environmental conservation, along with other topics of mutual interest. Both officials also reviewed the Kingdom's ongoing initiatives and achievements in this field, the Saudi Press Agency reported. In a separate meeting, Al-Jubeir received the deputy secretary-general for political affairs at the European External Action Service, Olof Skoog, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting reviewed international developments and the efforts being made to address them, in addition to discussing topics of mutual interest.
