The minister focused not only on the difficulties the African continent is contending but also on the challenges and Poland’s economic offer. While talking about migration, he pointed to its beeing used instrumentally by Belarusian authorities.

The deputy head of Polish diplomacy also underscored how promising and significant it is for our country to cooperate in such areas as healthcare and digital infrastructure, water management, energy, green technologies, digitalisation and blue technology. The minister also invited the participants to the Polish-African economic forum which will be held in February on the sidelines of the 2022 Expo World Exhibition in Dubai.

Concluded with the adoption of a joint statement, the ministerial meeting aimed to prepare the next year’s EU-AU summit to be held in February. The statement agreed by the ministers recognises Poland’s priorities and stipulations which correspond with our position on migration and economic cooperation with Africa.

On the margins of the event, Deputy Minister Przydacz held bilateral meetings with the ministers of foreign affairs of Rwanda, Togo, Botswana and deputy foreign minister of Tanzania. Discussed were priorities of bilateral relations, including the prospects for enhanced economic cooperation, also in agriculture and ICT. While touching upon the problem of migration, the minister pointed to the situation at the Polish-Belarusian border and the activities of Belarusian authorities which violate international law.

On the eve of the Kigali session, Deputy Minister Przydacz met with Franciscan Sisters, teachers and pupils of the centre for blind children in Kibeho. Launched in 2007, the regular cooperation between the MFA and the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters Servants of the Cross enabled the establishment and functioning of an educational centre which has gained both political importance and support in Rwanda and has become a model for the country’s education policies for people with disabilities. Up to now, over PLN 5m of Polish Aid funds has been donated for the construction and operation of the Institute in Kibeho.

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson

Photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA