ISLAMABAD, May 31: Pakistan and the European Union would launch their strategic dialogue next week furthering the transition of their relationship from trade ties to a strategically focused partnership.

“Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, will be visiting Islamabad to launch the Pakistan-EU strategic dialogue from June 4-6, 2012,” the Foreign Office announced on Thursday.

The strategic dialogue would cover issues relating to security, democracy, human rights, good governance, socio-economic development, trade, investment, energy and sectoral cooperation.

The strategic dialogue will provide the two an opportunity to identify ways and means to further raise the level of bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Office  spokesman said.