Dar thanks Poland for supporting Pakistan’s election to UNSC, seeks support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status in EU
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Photo: X
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Poland on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, including trade, energy, defence, education, technology, and fintech.
The commitment was expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski during a joint press stakeout here.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Poland relations and emphasized the need to further explore untapped potential in various sectors.
“We have over a billion dollars in bilateral trade, and both sides agreed that there remains immense untapped potential to further expand trade and economic cooperation we have just signed today a memorandum of understanding which envisions regular bilateral consultations,” the deputy PM said.
He said Poland’s oil and gas expertise could greatly benefit Pakistan and a leading Polish energy company had already invested nearly half a billion dollars in Pakistan.
To institutionalise dialogue, Dar said the two countries signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), one between their respective 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 promote collaboration between think tanks.
He thanked Poland for supporting Pakistan’s election to the UN Security Council with 182 votes and sought Warsaw’s continued support for the renewal of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status in the EU, which is due 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 noted.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, in his remarks, said that Poland attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looked forward to enhancing economic and strategic cooperation.
He said Poland was keen to deepen collaboration 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 added.
Sikorski highlighted the growing Pakistani community in Poland, which numbers around 2,000, including a quarter of students, and termed them an important bridge between the two nations. He emphasized that Poland remains open to legal migration and genuine students but maintains zero tolerance for illegal migration.
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 Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said Poland stood for a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter and international law.
As regards the Middle East, Sikorski reiterated Poland’s 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 said.
To a question, Dar said besides oil and gas sector, the two sides were also mulling over expanding cooperation, in other areas including railways and technology transfer in agriculture, energy and transport.
Responding to a question regarding the GSP Plus, Dar said the GSP Plus was a win-win for both Pakistan and the EU. “We have implemented 27 conventions after agreeing to GSP Plus. Four reviews have already taken place.
And the fifth review is due in the very near future. We are totally prepared for the fifth review. And we are looking forward to Poland’s support.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Polish companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the energy, mining, and information technology sectors, during a call on paid by the Deputy Prime and Foreign Minister of Poland.
Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski paid a courtesy call on the prime minister here at the Prime Minister’s House.
