ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Poland have reaffirmed their resolve to elevate bilateral relations into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership, pledging to expand cooperation in trade, defence, energy, infrastructure, counterterrorism, science and technology, and education.
The commitment was announced during a joint press stakeout at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and visiting Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
Dar highlighted the “untapped potential” in bilateral trade, which currently exceeds $1 billion, and underscored Pakistan’s appreciation for Poland’s historic struggle for freedom and democracy. He also recalled the strong historical bonds between the two nations, noting that during World War II, Polish refugees found shelter in Karachi and Quetta, while Polish experts played a pioneering role in the formation of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Both sides signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) — one to institutionalise regular consultations between their foreign ministries and another to enhance cooperation between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM).
Sikorski expressed Poland’s keen interest in broadening collaboration with Pakistan in areas such as public finance, Fintech, mining, energy, and water management, citing the ongoing success of the Polish Oil and Gas Company’s exploration projects in Pakistan. He also praised the growing Pakistani diaspora in Poland, which now includes around 2,000 individuals, a quarter of whom are students.
He reaffirmed Poland’s support for legal migration and academic exchanges, while maintaining strict measures against illegal migration, noting regional challenges posed by Russia and Belarus.
On global issues, Sikorski reiterated Poland’s support for peace in Gaza and a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict. He also lauded Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability in South Asia.
Dar, meanwhile, briefed his Polish counterpart on Pakistan’s concerns regarding Indian aggression, reaffirming Islamabad’s principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir and the need for its resolution under UN Security Council resolutions. He also raised concerns over the presence of terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil and emphasised the need for international cooperation to tackle emerging security threats.
Both leaders concluded the meeting with a shared vision to advance multilateralism and strengthen global peace and prosperity through cooperation grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
Story by Mariana Baabar
