Tazeen Akhtar
Ambassador of Poland in Pakistan H.E Maciej Pisarski is still positive on Ukraine to win war with Russia, or bring President Putin to meaningful dialogue for lasting peace in East Europe but at the same time hints at the Russian intentions of using nuclear as what he said Russia has placed nuclear weapons at the Ukrainian nuclear sites (nuclear was abandoned by Ukraine though). Ambassador mentions North Korean troops in Russia against Ukraine as involving Asia in the war.
In an interaction with Pakistani journalists at the residence on 19 Dec 2024 in Islamabad, the Ambassador discussed the regional, international and bilateral dynamics with a focus on trade cooperation and P2P developmental work with Pakistan and humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
He discussed several pressing matters that are at the forefront of bilateral and international agenda. He shared the latest developments and insights on various issues that are of great importance to Poland, the European Union, and the global community.
Ambassador does not buy the observation expressed by some that Syria and Ukraine have been exchanged by Trump and Putin to focus upon their main interests in respective regions. He says ” It is a hypothesis and I do not comment on hypothetical things.”
On latest developments in Belarus Pakistan relations , Ambassador sees it as every country has the right to promote cooperation and Poland Pakistan relations are deep rooted in the history, ever growing with the passage of time.
Ambassador repeated his stance on illegal immigration through Belarus like he mentioned in his previous presser as well. He said Belarusian mafia is supporting the people from Middle East to reach Belarus and cross the border into Poland.
On bilateral cooperation, Ambassador is hopeful to achieve the first milestone on trade level $ 1 Billion soon. He congratulated Pakistan for assuming a seat (non permanent) at UN Security Council next year. He looks forward to working together with Pakistan there for peace and conflicts resolution. He wishes political stability for Pakistan and says political dialogue is the way forward.
Here are main points on which Ambassador shared his views and took questions from the journalists;
Poland -Pakistan Relationship
Our countries have developed friendly and productive cooperation over the 62 years. A broader framework of this relationship is to uphold the international order based on the UN Charter and other relevant international treaties.
Respect for sovereignty, legal equality of all states, territorial integrity and rejection of military means as a way of solving international problems are among the most fundamental values of that order. Poland congratulates Pakistan on the election to the UN Security Council for 2025-2026 and looks forward to working with Pakistan on preventing and solving conflicts and crisis which undermine our security.
We believe that activity of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in this international body will contribute to building lasting peace and security in the world. We fully appreciate a longstanding participation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the UN peacekeeping missions.
This relationship stood the test of pressing international developments like the dramatic events in Kabul in August 2021 or the evacuation of the Pakistani students from Ukraine after the Russian invasion. Both countries proved that they can help each other in the face of an international crisis.
Poland-Pak Trade Reached $ 1 Billion – Belarus Mafia Involved in Human Trafficking into EU – H.E Maciej Pisarski
Poland-Pakistan Relations and Trade
I am happy to report that our bilateral trade with Pakistan has been steadily increasing, with a significant jump from €456.74 million in 2018 to €861 million in 2023. This growth in trade is a reflection of the strengthening economic ties between our two countries. We are committed to further strengthening our economic cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
In this regard, I would like to highlight the successful economic mission led by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Islamabad under the GreenEvo initiative. The mission brought together representatives from nine Polish businesses providing innovative green technology solutions, and featured business events in Karachi and Lahore. We believe that such initiatives will help to further boost our bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
I would like to bring to your attention the activities of the Polish leading investor in Pakistan, the Polish Oil and Gas Company/Orlen Group, which has been a success story of our bilateral relations.
Let me add, that Polish Oil and Gas Company/Orlen Group through its Pakistan Branch has been in operation in Pakistan since 1997. Since 2005 the company has been operating in the Kirthar concession. As a result of the work done, the company has made three tight gas discoveries (Rehman, Rizq, and Rayyan fields), making it a pioneer in the exploration and production of unconventional gas deposits in Pakistan. The company has made over USD 450 million in investments thus far.
Poland Pakistan Cherish Exemplary Relations/ Economic Cooperation on Independence & Defense Day Celebrations
The company’s ambition is that its current achievements so far constitute a base for future development. Since it obtained a concession to explore production potential of yet another gas field (Baran), it is possible that its investments will double in the next years.
POGC/Orlen reinvests its profits in Pakistan. Therefore, the success of its operations is predicated to a large degree on timely payments for the delivered gas. The company itself and the Embassy regularly work with the Government of Pakistan on this issue.
Poland’s Economic Growth and Resilience
The level of our trade is not satisfactory. It does not yet reflects and strength of the Polish economy and the potential of the Pakistani markets.
To ensure a conducive, stable, transparent and fair economic environment for foreign companies and investors who have operated or consider to establish a relationship with Pakistani partners is of a paramount importance.
Firstly, I would like to highlight Poland’s remarkable economic growth since 1989. Our GDP has increased by an impressive 826.96%, making us the most successful economy in Europe. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Polish people, as well as the effective economic policies implemented by our government. We have also become the fastest-growing large economy in the world among upper-middle-income and high-income countries, surpassing even the Asian tigers such as South Korea and Singapore.
Our GDP per capita PPP has almost tripled, from $10,300 in 1990 to over $28,000 in 2018. This significant increase in GDP per capita has resulted in a substantial improvement in the standard of living for Polish citizens. According to the OECD Economic Outlook, Poland’s GDP is expected to rise by 3.4% in 2025, solidifying our position as a robust and resilient economy.
Pakistan in the World – Feb-March 2023
Ukraine
The goals of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine and durable security for Europe are inseparable.
Ukraine must prevail. This is why after more than 1,000 days of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, we remain steadfast in our solidarity. We will continue to support Ukraine in its right of self-defence against Russian aggression.
We condemn Russia’s decision to escalate its war of aggression through brutal and deliberate attacks against Ukraine’s cities and critical civilian infrastructure, by the deployment of DPRK troops and by using intermediate range ballistic missiles to attack Ukraine.
Using North Korean troops joins up Europe’s and Asia’s security paradigms in a dangerous and destabilizing fashion. (Asia is being dragged into a war in Europe). The Russian aggression against Ukraine is not “an European war” – as some of analysts have claimed – any longer.
The North Korean troops fight and die for a cause which is not theirs. They don’t defend its own country but they are being sent to “a meat grinder”, so that the Russian leadership can realize its dream of restoring the Russian Empire. This is a classic example of a colonial war and colonial intend. This in not “fighting the global South and East” as some Russian officials have claimed.
Pakistan in the World – Nov/Dec 2022
Russia’s Disinformation Campaign and Ukraine Crisis
Regrettably, we are witnessing a surge in disinformation campaigns orchestrated by Russia, aimed at destabilizing Poland, Ukraine, and the EU. These disinformation campaigns are a key component of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy, which seeks to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Poland has been at the forefront of providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, with over 4.91% of our GDP allocated to this effort. We have supplied Ukraine with significant quantities of military equipment, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery systems. We have also provided humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine, and shelter, to those affected by the conflict.
Migration Crisis and Polish-Belarussian Border
Supporting the illegal cross-border smuggling of migrants was supposed to be a response to EU sanctions against Belarus adopted in relation to Minsk’s actions following the rigged elections in August 2020.
Through the next several months thousands of migrants were brought to the territory of Belarus, thanks to the active involvement of Belarusian consular missions in the migrants’ countries of origin, as well as Belarusian travel agencies and state hotel chains.
Regarding the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarussian border, we have witnessed a significant increase in attempts to illegally cross the border. According to data from the Polish Border Guard, there were over 15,000 attempts to illegally cross the border in 2022, and this number has continued to rise in 2023 and 2024. We are working closely with our EU partners to address this challenge and ensure the security of our borders.
The situation on the border with Belarus is clearly a manifestation of the hybrid war between Belarus and Poland and the European Union in order to achieve political concessions (lifting of sanctions) and to provoke chaos.
Pakistan in the World – FEB 2024
Middle East Crisis and Polish Aid
International protection of civilian population and humanitarian law must be respected.
We are also committed to supporting international efforts to address the Middle East crisis, particularly in Palestine. In 2024, Poland contributed $5 million to humanitarian efforts for Palestinians, and we have provided assistance worth over $12.2 million to Palestine in 2023-24. Our aid has focused on supporting vulnerable populations, including refugees, women, and children, and has been channeled through various UN agencies, including UNRWA, WFP, and UNICEF.
The bottom-line is that the Polish assistance to Palestine continued or even increased during the war in Ukraine. Poland continues to support the vision of two states Israel and Palestine living side–by-side in peace and security.
Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2025
Finally, I would like to highlight Poland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025. Our presidency will focus on building a secure and resilient Europe, with seven key security dimensions, including defense and security, protection of people and borders, and resistance to foreign interference and disinformation.
During our presidency, we will prioritize measures to strengthen the EU’s defense and security capabilities, including the development of a European Defense Fund and the enhancement of EU-NATO cooperation. We will also focus on protecting the EU’s external borders and addressing the root causes of migration.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Poland’s commitment to strengthening our bilateral and international relationships, promoting economic growth and development, and addressing the key security challenges facing our region and the world. Thank you for your attention, and I welcome your questions.
Pakistan in the World – December 2024
