Pakistan, Poland agree to strengthen cooperation against illegal migration
“Pakistan and Poland agree to strengthen security, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts, while expanding legal migration and employment opportunitie…”
IISLAMABAD —Pakistan and Poland have agreed to enhance cooperation in security, counterterrorism and efforts to curb illegal migration. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and Polish Minister and Head of the Council of Ministers Tomasz Siemoniak.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries' security and law enforcement institutions. The sides discussed intelligence sharing, counterterrorism measures, action against organised crime and ways to prevent illegal migration.
They also stressed the importance of increasing high-level contacts and giving greater momentum to bilateral cooperation. Pakistan and Poland agreed to expedite work on several memorandums of understanding, including arrangements related to mutual legal assistance.
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A delegation from Pakistan's Interior Ministry, led by Talal Chaudhry, is also expected to visit Poland soon. Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards drugs, illegal migration and organised crime. He said government measures had contributed to a 64% reduction in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe.
The interior minister said stronger coordination between the two countries could help further reduce such crimes. Siemoniak assured Pakistan of Poland's cooperation in this regard. The two sides also discussed expanding employment opportunities and legal migration channels for Pakistani citizens in Europe as a way of tackling illegal migration.
The Polish minister said Pakistanis would be welcomed in Poland through legal routes. Siemoniak said Pakistan and Poland held similar views on counterterrorism and security matters. The meeting also covered ways to expand people-to-people, trade and business links between the two countries.
The Polish minister highlighted the importance of developing economic ties alongside political and security relations. Naqvi thanked Poland for its support regarding the European Union's GSP Plus scheme. The two sides also discussed the possibility of visa-free travel between Pakistan and Poland for holders of official passports.
Siemoniak expressed support for Pakistan's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The meeting was also attended by the interior secretary and other senior officials.
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