Poland seeks to partner Pakistan to uphold global stability

Islamabad:Ambassador of Poland to Pakistan Maciej Pisarski has expressed his country's eagerness to work alongside Pakistan to strengthen the international order based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

“In today’s fraught international environment, we need reconfirmation of universal norms such as respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, right of the nations for self-determination and the respect of human rights as cornerstones of our common future,” the envoy said during his embassy’s Independence Day and Armed Forces Day function here. The origins of Poland’s Independence Day and Armed Forces Day lie in the dramatic events at the end of World War I, when Poland regained its sovereignty after being under foreign rule and fragmented for many decades.

The function brought together parliamentarians, senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to celebrate Polish-Pakistani ties. Minister for overseas Pakistanis and human resource development Chaudhry Salik Hussain was also in attendance. Ambassador Pisarski reflected on Poland's resilience throughout history, emphasising how the nation’s sovereignty has always been hard-won, a theme that resonates with current global struggles.

“In our history, independence and freedom have always been defined by their precarious nature: never given nor to be taken for granted. They have to be fought for and defended,” he said. The envoy highlighted his country’s support for Ukraine amid Russia’s aggression, which, he said, has “awakened old demons, who can only be contained by Ukraine’s victory.”

He said that the aggressor must be repelled and not rewarded, and that was key to a just and lasting peace not only in Europe but also in other corners of the world. Mr Pisarski also called for the protection of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, and said lasting peace in the Middle East could be ensured only when the Palestinians realised their right to live in their own state, side by side with Israel.

Shifting to his country's relations with Pakistan, the ambassador outlined Warsaw's growing partnership with Islamabad, with trade between the two nations approaching $1 billion. He praised the GSP+ scheme, which offers Pakistan preferential access to the European market, and pointed to Polish investments in Pakistan’s gas sector as a testament to the growing economic collaboration.