Visegrad Group foreign ministers and German top diplomat Heiko Maas met today to discuss the priorities of German presidency of the European Union Council, EU enlargement, progress of the Eastern Partnership, EU-Russia and EU-China relations and developments in the Middle East.

- Poland attaches great importance to the Bucharest Nine format. In a complex security situation in Europe, the strong and united voice of the Eastern flank should be heard even more clearly, - said the head of Polish diplomacy during the Vilnius meeting. - We see the “B9” consultations as our region’s contribution to strengthening the whole NATO and the transatlantic partnership, - he added.

Poland continues to expand its network of diplomatic missions in Switzerland. During his two-day visit, Deputy Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk opened a new building of the Polish Embassy in Bern and launched the first Honorary Consulate in Basel. Poland and Switzerland also held political consultations to discuss the future of the Polish Museum in Rapperswil.

The European aspirations of the Western Balkans, as well as achievements and prospects of the Berlin Process were the main objectives of the foreign ministers’ meeting organised in the capital of North Macedonia. Poland was represented by Deputy Minister Marcin Przydacz.

On 10 March, the chief of Polish diplomacy will be in Vilnius to take part a meeting of the foreign ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

- Studies on Poland’s history are important, also in the context of foreign policy, inasmuch as they expand the knowledge of our country not only at home but also among our neighbours and foreign partners. Historical studies help us better understand our bilateral relations. The idea of building influence abroad is the guiding principle of the foreign minister’s annual history competition. We are pleased to embark on its successive editions with a view to promoting academic interest in Polish history. - said Minister Jacek Czaputowicz during today’s ceremony to award prizes and honourable mentions in the Foreign Minister’s History Competition.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland welcomes the start of a trial before the judicial authorities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, scheduled for 9 March 2020, to investigate the real circumstances of, and identify those responsible for, the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 that happened over Ukrainian territory controlled by Russian-backed separatists on 17 July 2014.

The ministers met in Warsaw to discuss the current state of bilateral cooperation, security-related issues and items on the international agenda.

Directors of Polish Institutes met at the International Cultural Centre as part of the annual conference on public and cultural diplomacy, organised in Krakow on 4-6 March 2020.