Poland committed to fostering economic ties with Pakistan: envoy

Islamabad:Poland’s Ambassador Maciej Pisarski on Thursday underscored his country's commitment to fostering economic and commercial relations with Pakistan and said the 62 years of friendly and collaborative relations between the two countries were built on mutual respect for sovereignty and adherence to international norms.

During a media briefing at the embassy here, the envoy said Poland-Pakistan trade had seen a significant rise, reaching €861 million in 2023 from €456.74 million in 2018. He highlighted initiatives like the GreenEvo mission that brought Polish green technology to Pakistan, and emphasised the contributions of Poland’s oil and gas company POGC/Orlen Group.

Mr Pisarski said operating in Pakistan since 1997, POGC had invested over $450 million, pioneering the exploration of unconventional gas deposits in the Kirthar concession. He said the company’s plans to double its investments signalled growing economic collaboration.

The ambassador called for a stable and transparent economic environment to attract more foreign investments. He also congratulated Pakistan on its election to the UN Security Council for 2025-2026 and expressed confidence in its role in promoting global peace and security.

Mr Pisarski lauded Pakistan’s longstanding participation in UN peacekeeping missions and recalled moments of mutual support during crises, such as the evacuation of Pakistani students from Ukraine and the events in Kabul in 2021.

He also detailed Poland’s economic transformation since 1989, marking a GDP growth of over 826 per cent and said his country had emerged as Europe’s most successful economy and the fastest-growing among upper-middle and high-income countries globally.

The ambassador reaffirmed Poland’s support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and condemned the involvement of North Korean troops and labeled the conflict as a “colonial war.” He highlighted Poland’s extensive military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, allocating over 4.91 per cent of its GDP to the effort.

Mr Pisarski also decried Russia’s "disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilising Poland, Ukraine, and the EU," and emphasised the importance of countering hybrid warfare. Addressing the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarussian border, he described it as a manifestation of hybrid warfare by Belarus.

The ambassador stressed the need for coordinated efforts with EU partners to maintain border security amidst rising attempts of illegal crossings. He also said Poland’s commitment to global peace was evident in its contributions to Palestinian humanitarian efforts. Mr Pisarski said in 2024 alone, Poland provided $5 million in aid, continuing to support vulnerable populations despite the strain of the Ukraine conflict.