Minister Czaputowicz stressed that the main goal of opening a new diplomatic post was to facilitate the access to consular services for Polish citizens such as issuance of passports, visas and legal assistance. The task of the consulate will also be to enhance contacts between the businesses from Poland and Northern Ireland. “We would like Belfast to be one of the centres of Polish-Northern-Irish dialogue,” noted Polish MFA head.

Minister Czaputowicz also pointed out that Polish government decided to open a Consulate General in Belfast due to a numerous Polish minority living in Northern Ireland. The Consulate is Poland’s fourth consular post in Northern Ireland and the first one opened by an EU state. “Poles living in the United Kingdom have been given the opportunity to receive support of another, after London, Edinburgh and Manchester, Polish mission. It is very important to our minority living in Northern Ireland,” noted Minister Czaputowicz. “I hope that our presence here will help to stimulate interest in Poland, its culture and traditions. Not only in Belfast, but all over Northern Ireland,” he added. The chief of Polish diplomacy also expressed his hope that the establishment of a new mission would contribute to the continuation of the good cooperation between Poland and Great Britain even after the country leaves the European Union.

As part of his visit to Belfast, Minister Czaputowicz also met with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Robin Newton and Lord Lieutenant of Belfast Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle.

Consular district of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast covers the territory of Northern Ireland. Polish citizens form the largest ethnic minority living and working in Northern Ireland.

MFA Press Office

Photo: Gabriel Piętka/MFA