Pakistan, Poland pledge to expand economic, defence, strategic cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Poland on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations, stressing the vast untapped potential for expanding trade and economic cooperation beyond the current volume of over one billion dollars.

During a joint press stakeout at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and visiting Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rados aw Sikorski announced a shared resolve to transform bilateral ties into a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership.

“Our discussions were indeed significant, and we have agreed to broaden cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, defence, counterterrorism, science and technology, and education,” Dar said.

He noted that Pakistan views its relations with Poland as a “significant milestone” and appreciates Poland’s historical struggle for freedom and independence, which he termed a “unique historical connection”.

Dar recalled that during World War II, thousands of Polish refugees found shelter in present-day Pakistan, particularly in Karachi and Quetta, while Polish pilots and engineers played a foundational role in establishing the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Both sides signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) — one between their respective foreign ministries to institutionalise regular bilateral consultations, and another between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) to enhance academic and policy-level collaboration.

Dar also welcomed Sikorski’s visit, recalling his prior engagement with the region as a war correspondent in the 1980s, and described his return to Islamabad as a sign of Poland’s renewed interest in strengthening ties with Pakistan. The Polish FM said his country was keen to deepen cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors, including trade, public finance, Fintech, mining, energy and water management, building on the success of existing ventures such as the Polish Oil and Gas Company’s exploration projects in Pakistan. He said, “We have covered a broad range of issues — from bilateral economic ties to regional issues and global governance. I presented an offer for more intense bilateral collaboration, particularly in trade, public finances, Fintech, and water management. This, I believe, holds huge potential for the future.”

He noted that the Pakistani diaspora in Poland was growing, currently numbering around 2,000 people, a quarter of whom are students. “We are happy that Polish universities are popular among young, talented Pakistanis. Their experiences and impressions will serve as a foundation for genuine people-to-people diplomacy,” he added.

Sikorski reaffirmed Poland’s openness to legal migration and authentic academic exchanges, while maintaining zero tolerance for illegal migration. “For several years, our neighbours Russia and Belarus have attempted to exploit human smuggling as a tool of hybrid warfare. Poland had to respond, and our borders are now among the best protected in the European Union,” he said.

On international affairs, Sikorski reiterated Poland’s long-standing support for peace in Gaza and a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. “Poland has recognised Palestine for decades. We believe both ancient peoples of the Middle East should live in dignity and peace,” he said.

He added that Poland sought a stable and prosperous South Asia, appreciating Pakistan’s regional and global efforts toward peace and stability.

Earlier, Ishaq Dar briefed Sikorski on Pakistan’s concerns over unprovoked Indian aggression and reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, calling for its resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Dar also expressed concern over the Taliban regime’s recent excesses and the continued presence of terrorist elements such as Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan on Afghan soil, which have been carrying out attacks against Pakistan.

He stressed the importance of strengthening multilateralism and upholding the principles of the UN Charter to address emerging global challenges “in an effective and credible manner”.