The vibrant celebration of Poland’s 105th Independence Day and Armed Forces Day echoed through the diplomatic corridors of Islamabad this week.
The commemorative event, hosted by the Polish embassy, saw an illustrious gathering, including Pakistan’s Information Minister, Murtaza Solangi, along with civil and military dignitaries, diplomats, and media representatives.
Poland’s Independence Day holiday (November 11) celebrates the restoration of its national sovereignty in 1918, at the end of the First World War.
The event was celebrated in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 21, 2023. The ceremony also included a Jazz performance that added enchanting melodies, captivating the guests and drawing applause from the attendees.
Milestones in Poland-Pakistan Relations
The ceremony was hosted by Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski and Defense Attaché Col. Bogdan Obuchowski.
“This year, we have celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Pakistan. We are just about to start the seventh decade of our cooperation,” Ambassador Maciej Pisarski said.
In his welcome address, Ambassador Maciej Pisarski reflected on the fruitful 60-year diplomatic journey between Poland and Pakistan, noting the upward trajectory in bilateral trade approaching $900 million.
“We are eager to continue political and strategic dialogue with our Pakistani partners. This year’s successful high-level political consultations have given us a lot of encouragement in this regard,” the ambassador added.
Welcoming Polish Investors to Pakistan
Ambassador Pisarski attributed the positive trajectory in bilateral trade to Pakistani exporters leveraging the European Union’s generous GSP plus program.
As both nations embark on the seventh decade of their cooperation, the celebrations not only highlight historical achievements but also set the stage for a future marked by strengthened collaborations. The event showcased the enduring bond between Poland and Pakistan, echoing a commitment to shared prosperity and mutual respect.
Highlighting investment in Pakistan’s energy sector, Pisarski noted the involvement of Polish ORLEN Group (Polish Oil and Gas Company) in exploring tied gas deposits. He affirmed the Polish government’s support for bringing indigenous Pakistani gas to local consumers. “The Polish government fully supports the company’s engagement in bringing indigenous Pakistani gas to Pakistani consumers.”
Expressing a keen interest in expanding collaboration with Pakistan, the ambassador highlighted promising opportunities in novel domains. He said that Poland envisions potential partnerships in the water sector, focusing on advancements in water purification and management technologies. Ambassador Pisarski stated his country’s commitment to ongoing involvement with Pakistani non-governmental organizations, particularly in initiatives dedicated to education and women’s empowerment.
Pakistani minister cherishes Pakistan-Poland bilateral ties
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the reception, Minister Solangi praised the pivotal role played by Poland in building and maintaining bilateral relations over the last six decades. He expressed optimism about elevating mutual ties in trade, technology, agriculture, energy, and various other fields to new and remarkable levels.
Minister Solangi, noting the growing bilateral trade highlighted by Ambassador Pisarski, extended a warm invitation to Polish investors. He encouraged their involvement in Pakistan’s energy, agriculture, tourism, and defense production sectors, assuring them of the welcoming policies of the Government of Pakistan. The Minister emphasized the establishment of a Facilitation Council at the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan to support and facilitate foreign investment.
Pakistan to build Memorial of Polish Pilots in Islamabad
In his address, Minister Solangi paid rich tributes to Polish Pilots who played a pioneering role in the establishment of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) soon after the partition of the Indian subcontinent. At the ceremony, he revealed that the Government of Pakistan is constructing a memorial in honor of the Polish Pilots at Bhara Kahu, near Islamabad.
Key facts about Poland
The Republic of Poland (Polska) is a country located in Central Europe surrounded in the north by the Baltic Sea and two mountain ranges.
Poland has a long and rich history spanning over a thousand years. After more than a century of foreign rule, an independent Polish state was restored in 1918 after the end of World War One.
- Capital: Warsaw
- Population: 38 million
- Area: 312,696 sq km
- Languages: Polish
