ISLAMABAD: Poland’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Maciej Pisarski, on Thursday emphasized the importance of diplomacy, dialogue and regional cooperation while praising Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and mediation amid ongoing international tensions. The ambassador was addressing a “Meet the Press” session at the National Press Club Islamabad, where he discussed bilateral relations, regional stability, economic cooperation and global security challenges. The event was attended by journalists, diplomats and members of the press club administration.
Upon his arrival at the National Press Club, Ambassador Pisarski received a warm welcome from club office-bearers. NPC Secretary Rao Furqan, in his opening remarks, said diplomacy and media played a critical role in promoting international harmony and strengthening mutual understanding between nations. He noted that the Polish Embassy had maintained close engagement with Pakistani journalists and appreciated its efforts to enhance media interaction. NPC President Razaq Sial also welcomed the ambassador and highlighted the importance of ties between diplomats and the media community. He said such interactions created opportunities for constructive dialogue and helped strengthen people-to-people understanding between countries.
Speaking at the forum, Ambassador Pisarski described the “Meet the Press” session as an important platform for the exchange of ideas and noted that it was his second visit to the National Press Club. He said relations between Pakistan and Poland were “warm, friendly and steadily expanding” across multiple sectors.
The envoy particularly highlighted Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts related to tensions between the United States and Iran, saying Islamabad occupied a unique diplomatic position because of its ability to maintain communication with all sides.“Only a few countries maintain relations with both parties involved in the conflict. This reflects the trust both sides place in Pakistan despite existing concerns,” he remarked. The ambassador said Poland strongly supported negotiations and diplomacy as the preferred means for resolving disputes and reducing tensions. He added that Warsaw hoped ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region would succeed because peace and stability were essential not only for the Middle East but also for the wider international community.
Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ambassador Pisarski said the war should be resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the internationally recognized principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.“These are not only European values, but universal human values,” he said, while reiterating Poland’s support for peaceful conflict resolution through diplomacy and negotiations.
Discussing bilateral relations, Ambassador Pisarski said recent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Poland had opened a “new chapter” in political consultations and cooperation between the two countries. He referred to the recent visit of Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to Pakistan, during which he held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
According to the ambassador, the meetings created new opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in political, economic and strategic areas. He added that follow-up discussions between the foreign ministers of both countries had continued through telephone contacts after the visit. The ambassador also referred to recent meetings in Warsaw involving Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where discussions focused on cooperation in counter-narcotics, law enforcement and tackling illegal migration.
Speaking about economic relations, Ambassador Pisarski said bilateral trade between Pakistan and Poland had reached approximately $1.3 billion and was moving on a positive trajectory. He identified technology, management, information technology and investment as important sectors with significant potential for future cooperation. He said several investment-related initiatives were currently under discussion and noted that a number of Polish companies were already operating successfully in Pakistan. He also encouraged Pakistani businesses to explore opportunities in European markets under the European Union’s GSP Plus trade framework.
Explaining the purpose of the GSP Plus arrangement, the ambassador said the initiative was intended to improve Pakistani exports’ access to European markets and ultimately contribute to higher living standards and economic development.“The purpose of GSP Plus is not to secure advantages for Europe alone, but to improve opportunities for the people and support economic growth,” he remarked.
Ambassador Pisarski further said Pakistan and Poland were working to expand exchanges at the public, cultural and think tank levels in order to deepen understanding between the two societies.On defence cooperation, the envoy described bilateral defence ties as important and said both countries were making efforts to restore momentum in cooperation that had slowed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ambassador also highlighted Pakistan’s tourism potential, particularly for Polish mountaineers and adventure tourists. He said Pakistan had remained an attractive destination for Polish climbers for decades because of its mountain ranges and trekking opportunities. He recalled that renowned Polish mountaineer Wanda Rutkiewicz became the first woman to summit K2 in 1986, describing it as a historic achievement that reflected the longstanding connection between Polish mountaineers and Pakistan’s northern regions. Commenting on South Asian regional affairs, Ambassador Pisarski said Pakistan and India could gain greater benefits through cooperation, dialogue and economic connectivity.
Drawing parallels with Europe’s own experience, he observed that no country could fully prosper by isolating itself from its region. He acknowledged that Pakistan and India faced longstanding disputes and unresolved issues but stressed that negotiations and diplomacy remained the best path forward.“We would like to see improved relations between Pakistan and India because cooperation and dialogue can bring greater benefits to the entire region,” he said. The envoy also addressed concerns regarding irregular migration through Belarus into Europe, saying Poland had initiated open discussions with Pakistan on the issue during recent diplomatic engagements.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Pisarski reiterated Poland’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in diplomacy, trade, defence, culture and regional peace efforts, while emphasizing that continued dialogue remained essential for resolving international disputes and promoting global stability.
