Jan Amberg honoured with the Bene Merito distinction
24.09.2026
On 22 September 2026, Jan Amberg received the Bene Merito honorary distinction from Poland's Ambassador to Sweden, Karolina Ostrzyniewska. The distinction was awarded by Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, in recognition of Mr Amberg's efforts to strengthen Poland's international standing, promote its culture and history, and develop Polish-Swedish relations.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Ostrzyniewska highlighted Mr Amberg’s contribution to building lasting ties between Poland and Sweden.
“Jan knows Poland as few Swedes do. His diplomatic career, including his work at the Embassy of Sweden in Warsaw, has spanned landmark events in the history of Poland, Sweden and Europe: the fall of communism and the Iron Curtain, Poland’s accession to the European Union, and Sweden’s accession to NATO. Throughout these years, he has never lacked ideas for bringing Sweden closer to Poland, and Poland closer to Sweden.”
Mr Amberg thanked the Minister for the distinction and recalled moments of cooperation with Poland that had been particularly meaningful to him. He also emphasised that “bilateral relations between Poland and Sweden have never been as good as they are today.” He noted the growth of trade and investment, cooperation between universities, and cultural exchange, all of which have opened up new opportunities for cooperation and dialogue. He also spoke about joint efforts to strengthen security and stability in the Baltic Sea region and support economic development amid the ongoing war in Europe. He thanked everyone who contributes to relations between the two countries.
Around 50 guests attended the ceremony, including Dag Hartelius, State Secretary at Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs; former Swedish ambassadors to Poland; Mr Amberg’s colleagues from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office; and his family and friends. The event featured a performance by the renowned Swedish pianist Roland Pöntinen, a friend of Mr Amberg.
Established on 5 November 2009 by Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski, the Bene Merito distinction is awarded to Polish and foreign nationals whose work strengthens Poland’s international standing.
