ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Poland on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, defence, energy, technology, education, and fintech, as both nations look to further deepen their long-standing partnership.
The understanding was reached during a joint press stakeout between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski in Islamabad.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Poland relations and underscored the importance of tapping the untapped potential in various sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar stated that bilateral trade between the two countries has surpassed one billion dollars but noted that âthere remains immense untapped potential to expand trade and economic cooperation.â He added that both sides had signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to hold regular bilateral consultations.
Highlighting Polandâs strong energy expertise, Dar said that a leading Polish company has already invested nearly half a billion dollars in Pakistanâs oil and gas sector. To institutionalise dialogue, two MoUs were signedâone between the foreign ministries of both countries to establish regular consultations, and another between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Polish Institute of International Affairs to enhance research collaboration.
Recalling the historic ties between the two countries, Dar mentioned that during World War II, thousands of Polish refugees were given shelter in Karachi and Quetta. He also paid tribute to Polish Air Force officer Air Commodore Wladyslaw Turowicz for his contributions to the development of the Pakistan Air Force, describing him as âa monument to sacrifice, dignity, and honour.â
Dar lauded Polandâs remarkable economic achievements, noting its transformation into a trillion-dollar economy, and commended its recent tenure as President of the Council of the European Union. He also expressed gratitude to Warsaw for supporting Pakistanâs election to the UN Security Council with 182 votes.
He sought Polandâs continued backing for the renewal of Pakistanâs GSP Plus status in the European Union, set for review in 2027, describing it as a âwin-win arrangement for both Pakistan and the EUâ that promotes sustainable growth and poverty alleviation.
On regional issues, Dar reiterated Pakistanâs stance on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling for a resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He also voiced concern over the presence of Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan militant groups in Afghanistan and emphasised the need for stronger multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter.
Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski reaffirmed Polandâs long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict and welcomed recent humanitarian efforts aimed at releasing hostages and prisoners. âPoland recognised Palestine decades ago and firmly believes both peoples deserve to live in peace and dignity,â he remarked.
PM Shehbaz Invites Polish Investors
Later in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Foreign Minister Sikorski and invited Polish companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistanâs energy, mining, and IT sectors.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, and Pakistanâs Ambassador to Poland Sami Malik. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, defence, education, and labour, while also reviewing regional and international developments, including the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine.
The prime minister extended an invitation to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to undertake an official visit to Pakistan and conveyed his warm regards. Sikorski, in response, expressed keen interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation and suggested that Pakistan could also benefit from Polandâs expertise in water treatment technologies.
Both leaders agreed to maintain high-level contacts and to continue efforts toward expanding Pakistan-Poland cooperation across all fields.
