Poland to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation with Pakistan

Poland Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Witold Waszczykowski called on Minister of State for Foreign Affairs here on Thursday and discussed issues of mutual interest.

The two sides discussed various bilateral and international issues including Pak-India relations, Afghanistan, Iran nuclear issue and India-US civil nuclear cooperation with a view to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Minister of state emphasized the need for increased bilateral exchanges and looked forward to the proposed visits of Polish Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Foreign Minister later this year.

Minister of state stressed that there was vast economic potential that could be tapped by Pakistan and Poland by establishing a joint Business Forum between the Chambers of Commerce and Industries of the two countries.

He also mentioned that two countries should have joint ventures in the fields of oil, gas and mining sectors and he appreciated the collaboration between the two countries on joint production of tractors.

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s impressive economic development and expressed the desire to enhance bilateral economic cooperation. He added that many polish companies were already operating in Pakistan whereas many more polish companies were also interested to operate here.

Both sides agreed to build upon the institutional framework to expand cooperation while Minister of State proposed establishment of Joint Economic Cooperation in that regard.

Khusro Bakhtyar also highlighted the need to enhance cooperation in education and proposed signing of a MOU between Higher Education Pakistan and its Polish counterpart and that same kind of collaboration between Foreign Service Academies of two countries could also be realized.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland appreciated Pakistan’s special role in the war against terrorism and he added that Poland would increase the strength of its troops in Afghanistan up to 700 after it would assume command of NATO Peacekeeping Mission in 2007.

Source: onlinenews.com.pk