PR No.172 Islamabad: 19th April 2018

Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Defence is visiting Poland on the inviation of Minister of National Defence of Poland. On arrival he was received by senior Polish Military officials and the Ambassador of Pakistan in Warsaw. On his arrival at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan was received by the Polish Defence Minister. National anthems of the two countries were played and the Defence Minister was presented with Guard of Honour by a tri-services contingent of the Polish Armed Forces. The two Minister’s held a restricted one on one meeting followed by full delegation level talks. The discussions continued over the official lunch hosted by the Polish Defence Minister. The two sides reviewed the existing defence cooperation between Pakistan and Poland and discussed various ideas to further promote these relations. They also exchanged views on security situation in their respective regions and important global issues. Mr. Blaszczak in welcoming Pakistan’s Defence Minister warmly recalled that Karachi played host to 30,000 Polish refugees during 1942-45. He underlined the importance Poland attached to the relations with Pakistan and his country’s interest in further promotion of these relations including in the field of defence. Engr. Khurram Dastgir mentioned the role played by Polish pilots in the development of Pakistan Air Force. He particularly highlighted the contribution of Mr. Turowicz who went on to become Air Commodore in Pakistan Air Force and later was instrumental in the setting up of SUPARCO. The Minister said that the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement and the growing defence cooperation were a tribute to the memory of Air Commodore Turowicz. Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan briefed the Polish side on positive developments in Pakistan including economic growth, democratic consolidation and major success in counter terrorism. He explained in detail Pakistan’s security perspective, its efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and the wider region. Mr Mariusz Blaszczak accepted the invitation from the Defence Minister to visit Pakistan at mutually convenient dates. Engr. Khurram Dastgir latter laid wreath at the tomb of unknown soldier and also visited the Warsaw Uprising Museum. *****

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