The 19^th round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Sweden was held on 1st July 2025 at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm. The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Muhammad Ayub, Additional Secretary (Europe), while the Swedish side was headed by Ambassador Mikael Lindvall, Director General for Global Affairs at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. On the sidelines of the consultations, Ambassador Ayub also paid a courtesy call on State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dag Hartelius.

During the consultations, both sides conducted a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of bilateral ties. Discussions encompassed key areas of mutual interest, including political engagement, economic cooperation, trade and commercial exchanges, people-to-people contacts, and consular matters. The two delegations noted with satisfaction recent positive developments, notably the regular convening of BPC sessions, the resumption of consular services by the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad, and the commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening and expanding the longstanding bilateral partnership. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable technologies, waste management, information and communication technologies, and research and development, with special focus on innovation in the agriculture sector.

The deliberations also addressed regional and global security dynamics. The Pakistani side reiterated its position for the maintenance of peace and security through adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, norms of international law, multilateralism and settlement of international disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. Ambassador Ayub provided an in-depth briefing on the security situation in South Asia, particularly in light of the recent Indian aggression against Pakistan and the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by the Government of India.

Pakistan and Sweden enjoy a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship, underpinned by shared democratic values, robust people-to-people linkages, and expanding trade ties. Both nations are united in their advocacy for multilateralism and a rules-based international order. The BPC served as an important platform to deepen bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding, and enhance coordination on issues of regional and global relevance.

Stockholm

01 July 2025