Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Poland, recalling the European nation’s historic role in helping establish the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

He made the remarks while addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, who is on an official visit to Pakistan.

Dar welcomed the Polish delegation, describing the visit as a reflection of the “historic and unique relationship” between the two countries.

“Pakistan considers Poland an important partner,” he said, adding that both sides agreed during delegation-level talks to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The deputy prime minister said there were vast opportunities for cooperation in trade and investment, while discussions also covered enhanced collaboration in defence, research, and education.

Dar expressed satisfaction over the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Polish Institute of International Affairs, saying the agreements would help institutionalise cooperation.

Dar noted that Poland had played a key role in laying the foundation of the PAF.

He said both sides also discussed regional issues, including cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, and agreed to expand cooperation to combat terrorism.

The Polish side, he added, expressed concern over Indian aggression and reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s principled stance on the Kashmir dispute.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality and described his talks with Dar as “constructive and productive”.

He said both countries discussed expanding cooperation in trade, economy, energy, and mineral resources.

Sikorski termed the signing of MoUs between Pakistan and Poland a “positive step” toward enhancing bilateral engagement.

Touching upon global issues, the Polish foreign minister said his country supported peace in Gaza under the principles of the United Nations Charter and desired a stable and peaceful South Asia.

Earlier, the two deputy prime ministers witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between Pakistan and Poland, including one between ISSI and the Polish Institute of International Affairs.