Maciej Pisarski
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(Speech at 105th Anniversary of Independence of Republic of Poland +Armed Forces Day – 21 Nov 2023 – Federal Minister Information Pakistan Mr. Murtaza Solangi was Chief Guest while large number of diplomats , opinion makers, influentials were present)
105th Anniversary of Independence of Poland is a joyous occasion which also prompts us to reflect about a value of our freedom.
As history demonstrates, freedom and independence are not given once and forever.
They are rather processes which need to be constantly reviewed, reaffirmed and reinvigorated. And they always come with a price. As the Polish nation has learned, sometimes it is a piece of human life and out most sacrifices.
This is of course a universal story. Nothing in the world we live in suggests that this is about to change.
Tragically, we have been witnessing gruesome scenes of death and violence in the world today, including in the Middle East.
Our hearts and minds go out to all who have been killed, injured, kidnapped or lost their home. We mourn with the families who have been painfully affected by such experience.
Israel – Palestine
In spite of what today feels to be extremely hard to imagine, we continue to hope that both the Palestinians and the Israelis will be able to live in peace and freedom in their respective states and thus enjoy the inalienable rights of all human beings. We stress that civilian lives must be protected in line with international law and international humanitarian law.
Those of you who attended similar events at the Polish Embassy in past two years will not be surprised by the importance we attach to the war in our neighbor’s house. all the reasons which motivated us to strongly stand with Ukraine from the outset of this brutal aggression are still there. They are equally valid today as they were yesterday and they will be in weeks and months to come.
Ukraine
The Ukrainian fight is about asserting freedom and dignity. It is about upholding the rules of the international law such: Sovereignty and territorial integrity. Let us not forget that Ukraine did not attack Russia, did not target civilians and did not provoke the aggression.
Let it be no doubt that our resolve is to continue our support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We welcome the acknowledgment that Ukrainian’s future is within the European Union and we whole heartedly support achieving this historic goal.
Poland Pakistan
Throughout this year, we have celebrated 60th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations between Poland and Pakistan. We are just about to start seventh decade of our cooperation.
As we take stock of our achievements, we can point to an upward trajectory of the trade between our countries, which is approaching 900 million USD and has a lot to do with the Pakistani exports taking advantage of the European Union’s generous GSP plus program.
Finance Minister appreciates the Polish investments in Pakistan in energy sector
Oil and Gas
A brighter spot on the economic side of our relations is investment made by Orlen/PGNiG – Polish Oil and Gas Company , in exploration of tied gas deposits in Pakistan. The multi-hundred million projects have a big potential to grow. The Polish government fully supports the company’s engagement in bringing indigenous Pakistani gas to the Pakistani consumers.
Together with another Polish company – Exallo Drilling , PGNiG/ Orlen are sponsors of our celebration today. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for their support.
The anniversary encourages us to think about the future. While continuing along the existing lines, we would like to look for new fields of cooperation.
Water
For instance, we see opportunities in exploring collaboration in the water sector: water purification and water management technologies. Such projects can address some of the challenges of the adverse effects of the climate change.
We will continue engagement with Pakistani non-governmental organizations in projects related to education and women empowerment.
We are eager to continue political and strategic dialog with our Pakistani partners. This year successful high level political consultations have given us a lot of encouragement in this regard.
The Polish Mountaineer Shares his Experiences of Measuring “Trango Towers” in Pakistan
Last but not least, we are promoting Polish -Pakistani joint historical heritage.
We are excited about the initiative of naming one of the prominent streets in Islamabad area after the name of Air Commodore Wladyslaw Turowicz – a leader of the Polish pilots who came to Pakistan to creating Pakistani air forces. It has our full support.
Promoting the achievements of the Polish mountaineers -explorers of the Pakistan’s beautiful mountains – is yet another idea we want to pursue.
Polish Heritage Week
I would like to encourage you to watch a documentary about one of them – Jerzy Kukuczka – which will be screened at the Blackwhole community center, this coming Thursday. A legendary Pakistani mountaineer Mr. Nazir Sabir will grace that event together with the film director Pawel Wysoczanski.
Our wonderful jazz musicians will be performing at the Islamabad Jazz Festival this Sunday and Pakistan National Council of Arts. I strongly encourage you to attend it. These events together with today’s reception constitute what can be called a Polish Heritage Week in Islamabad.
Poland & Pakistan Together for Regional Stability & International Peace -by- Tazeen Akhtar
