Pakistan, Poland agree to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Poland have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in diverse areas including trade, energy, defence, education, technology, and fintech.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Islamabad on Thursday.

Speaking at a joint press stakeout, the two ministers expressed satisfaction over the growing ties and underlined the need to explore untapped potential in trade and investment.

Dar said Pakistan and Poland currently enjoy over a billion dollars in trade but both sides believe there is significant room for growth. He highlighted Poland’s expertise in the oil and gas sector, noting that a leading Polish company has already invested nearly half a billion dollars in Pakistan.

To institutionalise dialogue, Pakistan and Poland signed two Memoranda of Understanding — one between their foreign ministries to establish regular bilateral consultations, and another between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Polish Institute of International Affairs to enhance think-tank cooperation.

Dar recalled Pakistan’s historical ties with Poland dating back to World War II and paid tribute to Polish pilots and engineers, especially Air Commodore Wladyslaw Turowicz, for their contribution to the Pakistan Air Force.

He appreciated Poland’s economic growth and thanked Warsaw for supporting Pakistan’s election to the UN Security Council. Dar also sought Poland’s continued support for the renewal of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status in the European Union, calling it a “win-win arrangement” for both sides.

The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need for resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He also voiced concern over militant elements operating from Afghanistan and called for strengthening multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter.

Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski said his country attached great importance to ties with Pakistan and sought deeper engagement in trade, fintech, mining, energy, and public finance. He praised the Pakistani community in Poland as a bridge between the two nations and reiterated Warsaw’s commitment to legal migration pathways.

Sikorski reaffirmed Poland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty amid the Russian invasion and backed a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel, saying both peoples deserve to live in peace and dignity.

Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to transform Pakistan-Poland relations into a comprehensive and long-term partnership.