2024-08-23 15:02 update: 2024-08-23, 15:11
Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, and Narendra Modi, his Indian counterpart, have issued a joint statement concerning the elevation of relations between their countries to the rank of a strategic partnership.
The 'Statement on the Elevation of Relations between Poland and India to the Rank of Strategic Partnership,' published on the websites of both countries, was issued after the meeting of both heads of government in Warsaw on Thursday.
In the document, the two leaders agreed on "cooperation in the sphere of security" and mentioned cooperation between the defence industries of both countries.
"Collaboration will be enhanced at multilateral forums to promote respect for rules-based international order and maintain global peace, stability, and security," read the statement.
They also underscored the importance of maintaining relations between the "two largest democracies in the world" - the European Union and India.
"As the world's two largest democracies, the EU and India have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity, and sustainable development in a multi-polar world," the statement continued. Poland and India also agreed that the strategic partnership was of great importance for stability and prosperity at the global level.
The two prime ministers also expressed their commitment to "peace and rules-based international order with the UN Charter at its core, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."
In addition, both prime ministers expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and its "tragic humanitarian consequences" and condemned "the use of force." They reiterated the need for "a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law."
The 'Plan for the Implementation of a Strategic Partnership,' a document published at the same time, states that the topic of defence will be an "important element" discussed during the meeting of the Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation scheduled for 2024.
It was also stated that a Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation would meet at least twice every five years, with the first meeting scheduled for the end of this year.
In the document, the two countries expressed their readiness for closer cooperation in the fields of agriculture, technology, energy, green technologies, infrastructure, healthcare, innovation, mining and energy security, including mineral resources.
Poland and India also want to cooperate in the field of digitalisation and cybersecurity, increasing the exchange of information and collaboration in preventing cyberattacks.
Poland and India are also to develop cooperation in the areas of culture, education and scientific research. Both countries plan to strengthen ties between academic institutions and promote the exchange of students and teachers.
On Thursday, Modi thanked his Polish counterpart and the people of Poland for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and he invited Tusk to visit India.
Modi departed Warsaw, on Friday, and headed for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. (PAP)
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