ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and European Union have entered into a multifaceted strategic dialogue to promote socio-economic development and enhance investment in different fields including health and education.

Addressing a joint press conference here at Foreign Office on Tuesday with European Union's Head of Foreign Policy, Catherin Ashton, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said that the EU is a strong supporter of a democratic set up in Pakistan.

She said, "Currently we have 4.6 billion Euros trade with EU which we want to enhance to Euros 8 billion."

EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton addressing the press conference said, "The EU is aware of the challenges confronting Pakistan and wants to help Pakistan in strengthening its institutions."

She said that Pakistan's progress is pivotal for regional progress.

Catherine commended Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terror and assured that the EU will extend full cooperation and assistance to Pakistan in this regard.

Earlier, the first Pak-EU strategic dialogue was held at the Foreign Office in which Pakistan's delegation was led by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar while the EU delegation was led by EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton.

The strategic dialogue has been launched in pursuance of the decision taken at the first Pak-EU summit held in 2009.

The dialogue held today provided a chance for finding the ways and means to implement the Pak-US five year engagement plan concluded in January 2012.

The Strategic Dialogue begun from June 4 till June 6, 2012 at Islamabad, meant provide for modalities to implement Pakistan-EU Five Year Engagement Plan concluded in January 2012.

According to the analysts, Baroness Ashton's visit will further enhance existing relations between EU and Pakistan. Strategic Dialogue will provide two Foreign Ministers opportunity to identify ways and means to further raise level of bilateral cooperation, discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Baroness Ashton would also call on Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, visit Lahore and call on Governor Punjab.