Pakistan, Poland vow new era of strategic, economic collaboration

  • Dar, Sikorski reaffirm resolve to expand Pakistan–Poland cooperation across trade, energy, defence and technology
  • Islamabad, Warsaw sign MoUs to boost dialogue, think tank cooperation as latter backs GSP Plus renewal
  • Both sides see untapped potential to take bilateral trade to over $1 billion
  • Two MoUs signed to institutionalize consultations and research exchange

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Poland on Thursday reaffirmed their resolve to deepen multifaceted cooperation—spanning trade, energy, defence, education, technology, and fintech—as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met his Polish counterpart, Radosław Sikorski, in Islamabad.

Both leaders, during a joint press stakeout, expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and emphasized the need to unlock the untapped potential in trade and investment. They also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)—one between their foreign ministries to establish regular bilateral consultations, and another between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Polish Institute of International Affairs to enhance think tank collaboration.

Dar noted that bilateral trade had surpassed one billion dollars, adding that both sides agreed there remained “immense untapped potential” to further expand economic cooperation. He said Poland’s expertise in oil and gas could significantly benefit Pakistan, pointing out that a leading Polish energy company had already invested nearly half a billion dollars in the country.

The Deputy Prime Minister recalled the deep historical ties between Pakistan and Poland dating back to World War II, when thousands of Polish refugees found refuge in Karachi and Quetta. He paid tribute to Polish pilots and engineers, particularly Air Commodore Władysław Turowicz, for their vital role in establishing the Pakistan Air Force.

“His story is a monument to the values of sacrifice, dignity, and honour,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan regarded Poland as an important partner both bilaterally and within the European Union.

Dar congratulated Poland on its economic progress and its emergence as a trillion-dollar economy, lauding its successful tenure as President of the Council of the European Union earlier this year. He thanked Warsaw for supporting Pakistan’s election to the UN Security Council with 182 votes and sought Poland’s continued backing for the renewal of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status in 2027.

“GSP Plus is a win-win arrangement for both Pakistan and the EU as it contributes to sustainable development, good governance and poverty alleviation,” he added.

Reiterating Pakistan’s principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Dar called for its resolution in accordance 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 elements in Afghanistan, underlining the need for collective action and adherence to the UN Charter to strengthen multilateralism.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said Poland attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan and was eager to enhance cooperation in trade, public finance, fintech, water management, mining and the energy sector.

“Polish companies have long been engaged in geological services in Pakistan and see great potential for future cooperation,” he said.

He highlighted the Pakistani community of around 2,000 people in Poland, including a significant number of students, calling them an important bridge between the two nations. Sikorski emphasized that Poland remained open to legal migration and genuine students, but maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal migration.

Commenting on global issues, the Polish foreign minister reaffirmed his country’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He said Poland stood for a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law.

On the Middle East, Sikorski reiterated Poland’s long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict and welcomed recent efforts for the release of hostages and prisoners. “Poland has recognized Palestine for decades and believes both peoples deserve to live in dignity and peace,” he added.

Responding to questions, both leaders reaffirmed their determination to transform Pakistan-Poland relations into a comprehensive, long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.

Dar said in addition to oil and gas, the two sides were exploring cooperation in railways, technology transfer, agriculture, energy and transport sectors.

On the Gaza situation, he said both Pakistan and Poland shared the view that reforms were needed to make the multilateral system more effective in addressing global issues — including Jammu and Kashmir, Gaza and Palestine.

Regarding the GSP Plus review, Dar said Pakistan had implemented all 27 conventions under the arrangement. “Four reviews have already taken place, and we are fully prepared for the fifth review, which is due soon. We look forward to Poland’s continued support,” he said.

Pakistan deeply valued its ‘historically warm and friendly’ ties with Poland: Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan deeply valued its “historically warm and friendly” ties with Poland and hoped that the relationship would continue to strengthen in the years ahead.

 

Speaking at delegation-level talks with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Dar said Pakistan–Poland relations, established in 1962, were founded on mutual respect, goodwill and amity. He welcomed Sikorski on his second official visit to Pakistan—the first being in 2011—and noted that he also represented EU Vice President Kaja Kallas during the visit.

Recalling the “unique historic” connection between the two nations, Dar highlighted that during World War II, thousands of Polish refugees found refuge in Karachi and Quetta, while Polish air force veterans played an invaluable role in establishing the Pakistan Air Force, remembered as “national heroes.”

He said Pakistan drew inspiration from Poland’s long struggle for freedom and sovereignty and commended its remarkable transformation into a trillion-dollar economy since 1991. He also congratulated Warsaw on the successful and smooth presidential elections held recently.

Foreign Minister Sikorski said his visit to Pakistan was both “sentimental and official,” adding that the two countries enjoyed strong ties and had much to offer each other in expanding cooperation and discussing regional and international issues.

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