Pakistan Poland Agree to Strengthen Security Cooperation

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – Poland’s Minister and Head of the Council of Ministers Tomasz Siemoniak met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and security cooperation between Pakistan and Poland.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in several key areas, including security, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, combating illegal migration and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.

The meeting also agreed to expedite the finalisation of various Memorandums of Understanding, including an agreement on mutual legal assistance.

It was further decided that a delegation from Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, led by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, would visit Poland soon to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Mohsin Naqvi said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, illegal immigration and organised crime, resulting in a 64 per cent decline in illegal immigration from Pakistan to Europe.

He said greater mutual cooperation and bilateral coordination could help achieve a significant reduction in such crimes.

Polish Minister Tomasz Siemoniak assured Pakistan of full cooperation in this regard, saying Pakistani citizens travelling to Poland through legal channels would be welcomed.

Siemoniak said Pakistan and Poland shared similar positions on counter-terrorism and security issues, while discussions also focused on expanding people-to-people contacts as well as trade and business relations.

The Polish minister stressed that strengthening economic relations was as important as political and security cooperation.

Naqvi thanked Poland for its support for Pakistan under the European Union’s GSP Plus scheme.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of introducing visa-free travel for official passport holders between Pakistan and Poland.

“We fully support Pakistan’s sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region,” Siemoniak said.

The Interior Secretary and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.