ISLAMABAD – Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski’s visit to Pakistan helped both sides to rekindle historic partnership. He was welcomed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and his two-day trip highlighted shared history, strategic collaboration, and a vision for the future.
Deputy PM Dar welcomed Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to Islamabad on Thursday, calling the visit “significant” and highlighting its potential to elevate Pakistan-Poland relations to a new strategic level.
During delegation-level talks, both sides reviewed the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, with trade already surpassing one billion dollars, and agreed to unlock immense untapped potential in trade and economic cooperation. “We will expand collaboration in trade, energy, infrastructure, defense, counter-terrorism, science and technology, and education,” Dar said at a joint press conference.
The leaders announced the signing of two key memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The first, between the foreign ministries, establishes regular bilateral consultations to enhance diplomatic coordination. The second, between Islamabad’s Institute of Strategic Studies and the Polish Institute of International Affairs, aims to strengthen think-tank collaboration and policy research.
Dar welcomed Sikorski, noting this was his second visit to Pakistan—the first being in 2011—and highlighted Sikorski’s experience as a war correspondent in the region during the 1980s. He stressed Pakistan’s strong historical ties with Poland, recalling that thousands of Polish refugees were sheltered in Karachi and Quetta during World War II and lauding the role of Polish pilots and engineers in laying the foundation of the Pakistan Air Force.
The discussions covered major regional and global security issues, including South Asia, Afghanistan, Europe, and the Middle East. Dar voiced Pakistan’s concerns over Indian aggression in Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted threats from terrorist groups in Afghanistan, specifically Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan, terms used for Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and banned organizations in Balochistan. He stressed the need for multilateralism and adherence to UN principles to address emerging international challenges effectively.
Sikorski acknowledged the shared historical legacy and welcomed the renewal of the MoU between foreign ministries to facilitate better coordination. He also praised the think-tank partnership, and outlined opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade, public finances, fintech, water management, mining, and energy, citing successful projects like the Polish Oil and Gas Company’s exploration initiatives in Pakistan.
He noted the growing Pakistani diaspora in Poland, particularly students, while emphasizing zero tolerance for illegal migration. “Poland remains open to legal migration and genuine academic pursuits, but illegal migration will not be tolerated,” Sikorski said, citing threats from neighboring countries exploiting people smugglers.
He further highlighted Poland’s interest in a stable and prosperous South Asia and praised Pakistan’s regional and global efforts toward peace and stability.
Pakistan values historical warm and friendly relations with Poland: Salik
