The event was also attended by deputy chief of Polish diplomacy Marcin Przydacz.

Minister Rau praised the annual discussions and expert meetings in Wrocław and Wojnowice for providing excellent space for a pragmatic analysis of vectors which shape our Eastern policy. The discussions often draw on Mieroszewski, Giedroyć or Nowak-Jeziorański, who pointed out both major challenges and considerable benefits. In his address to the organisers and attendees, the head of Polish diplomacy thanked for their perseverance in shaping the dialogue on Poland’s relations with its nearer and more distant neighbours. “Over the past 16 years, this meeting has become a fixed point in the calendar of any recognized expert, activist, local government member, or a decision-maker involved in Poland’s Eastern policy,” said the minister.

During a special panel, Undersecretary of State Marcin Przydacz presented our priorities and future activities in the area of the Eastern neighbourhood. He focused on the developments in Belarus, and assessed the current political situation in Eastern neighbouring countries and its impact on the region and multilateral relations. Deputy Minister Przydacz also noted the COVID-19-related challenges. “In the case of our Eastern neighbours, the pandemic can be particularly devastating by causing long-lasting economic crises.” He also noted that the pandemic provided the opportunity to confirm the importance of international solidarity and the sheer human kindness.

This year’s conference, traditionally held in Wrocław and Wojnowice, took the form of a videoconference. The event was co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the “Public diplomacy 2020 – a new dimension” competition, and the city of Wrocław under the “Cooperation with Eastern Europe” competition. 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski/MFA