“Today, Georgia is a free and democratic country that is modernising rapidly,” stressed the chief of Polish diplomacy, adding that Georgia is the leader of changes in the region, an active member of the Eastern Partnership, an EU associated country, and a close NATO partner. Georgia has high aspirations and aspires to full membership in the EU and Euro-Atlantic structures. Minister Czaputowicz expressed respect and paid tribute to all the people who 12 years ago stood up to fight. He stressed that their sacrifice is a gift for future generations of Georgians who have every right to define their own policies. “Poland continues its efforts to support Georgia on its path to the European and Euro-Atlantic community,” assured the head of the Polish MFA.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani also sent a video message in which he said that Tbilisi’s decision to give a robust response to threats posed by Russia remains irreversible. He underlined strong historical ties between Georgia and Poland and expressed his appreciation for Poland’s significant voice on the international stage, thanks to which Georgia’s territorial integrity remains a focus of attention in high-level discussions.

As part of the event, a discussion panel was held devoted to President Lech Kaczyński’s eastern policy. The panel was attended by Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Marcin Przydacz.

“Lech Kaczyński understood that the security of Poland and the region depends on ensuring the sovereignty of the countries that emerged after the collapse of the USSR. For him, the priority was to strengthen the position of these states, both by building alliances and by abandoning the Russia-centric vision of developing relations between the EU and the countries of the region. These values are still relevant and today they constitute the fundamental principles of Polish foreign policy,” highlighted the deputy chief of Polish diplomacy.

The 2008 Russian-Georgian war for the South Ossetia/the Tskhinvali region was a major threat to the region’s stability and could have developed into a long-standing conflict. The then Polish President realised that and, together with Estonian, Lithuanian, Latvian, and Ukrainian leaders, undertook a risky mission to fly to Tbilisi in the first days of the conflict.

Lech Kaczyński’s vision of foreign policy was based on strengthening Poland’s position and role in the world, Europe and the region, both through energy security and a conscious eastern policy. Today we strive to continue his ideas, often despite difficult and adverse conditions,” said Deputy Minister Przydacz.

During the event, a postage stamp commemorating President Lech Kaczyński was presented. Marking the 10^th anniversary of his death, the stamp was issued jointly by the Polish Post and the Georgian Post.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Łucja Sucharska/MFA