Federal Minister for Defence visits Poland

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan is visiting Poland on the invitation of Minister of National Defence of Poland.

On arrival, he was received by senior Polish Military officials and the Ambassador of Pakistan in Warsaw, said a press release received here on Thursday.

On his arrival at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan was received by the Polish Defence Minister, Mariusz Blaszczak. National anthems of the two countries were played and Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan was presented with Guard of Honour by a tri-services contingent of the Polish Armed Forces.

The two Ministers held a one on one meeting followed by full delegation level talks.

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.

Blaszczak welcoming Pakistan’s Defence Minister warmly recalled that Karachi hosted 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 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.

Blaszczak accepted the invitation of 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.