Islamabad, 24 October 2025(Ghufran): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a Distinguished Lecture by H.E. Radosław Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, on the theme “Poland’s Success Story: A Message for the Rising Countries.” The event was organized by the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at ISSI, in collaboration with the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM). The lecture brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, and representatives from think tanks, civil society, and the media to discuss Poland’s remarkable transformation and its relevance for developing and rising nations. Earlier in the day, ISSI and PISM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance institutional cooperation. The MoU was signed by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, and Dr. Jarosław Ćwiek-Karpowicz, Director PISM, in the presence of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood commended Poland’s remarkable transformation since the end of the Cold War, describing it as one of Europe’s greatest success stories—achieved through economic discipline, institutional reform, and strategic foresight. He noted that Poland’s trajectory from transition to consolidation offers valuable lessons for developing countries such as Pakistan. He further observed that Pakistan, amid a complex global landscape, has acquired new strategic salience through its geo-economic pivot and balanced foreign policy, engaging constructively with major global and regional powers. Recalling the historical Pakistan–Poland ties, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood appreciated the contribution of Polish pilots in establishing the Pakistan Air Force and expressed Pakistan’s interest in expanding cooperation with Poland in trade, technology, energy, innovation, higher education, and people-to-people exchanges. Dr. Jarosław Ćwiek-Karpowicz, Director of PISM, expressed his appreciation for the new partnership between PISM and ISSI, terming it the beginning of a promising chapter in Polish–Pakistani academic collaboration. He emphasized the shared commitment of both institutions to advance research cooperation, promote dialogue, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. Highlighting the two countries’ shared values — respect for sovereignty, opposition to the use of force, and rejection of terrorism — he noted that their joint membership in the UN Economic and Social Council until 2026 offers opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, education, energy, and sustainable development, with Poland particularly interested in supporting Pakistan’s energy security.
Delivering the Distinguished Lecture, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski shared Poland’s historic journey from a post-communist state to one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. Recalling his early visits to Pakistan, he paid tribute to Pakistan’s role and sacrifices during the Afghan resistance against Soviet occupation, acknowledging the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Highlighting that Poland’s GDP per capita has more than tripled since 1989, he attributed this success to decisive reforms, institutional modernization, and a stable international environment. He noted that Poland’s experience offers meaningful lessons for medium-sized states aspiring for sustainable growth and global relevance. Reflecting on the evolving global order, DPM Sikorski underscored the need to uphold a rules-based international system, emphasizing sovereignty, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation. He reaffirmed Poland’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the two-state solution, and reiterated Poland’s continued assistance to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
On bilateral relations, he lauded the growing economic and trade partnership between Poland and Pakistan, which has surpassed USD 1 billion annually, and highlighted the long-standing presence of Polish oil and gas company ORLEN in Pakistan as a symbol of enduring cooperation. He identified new opportunities for collaboration in energy, mining, water management, food processing, and Fintech, and reaffirmed Poland’s readiness to share its technological expertise and developmental experience with Pakistan, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable industries.
The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by the presentation of a souvenir to the visiting dignitary by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI.