Poland

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 NOV –  The half-century-old Polish-Malaysian diplomatic relations have lasted steadfastly for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Poland’s ambassador to Malaysia Krzysztof Dobrowolski noted that Polish-Malaysian diplomatic relations had lasted for exactly half the period from its independence regained 105 years ago.

“It means that while being much younger than our independence, our bilateral relationship is, nevertheless, mature already, having turned 50 just two years ago.

“So, it can be affirmed that we, Poland and Malaysia, are seasoned partners drawing from the past and looking with optimism to the future.

“Indeed, we are similar in a number of aspects and there are so many things that bind us together.

“Our trade is thriving. So is our cooperation in defence, information technology and in other sectors.

“Every year almost 200 Malaysians pursue their higher education at Polish universities,” Dobrowolski said at ‘Poland’s 105th Independence Day and Polish Armed Forces Day 2023’ reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Imbi.

Present were guest-of-honour Malaysian Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Poland’s defence attaché Col Marek Kotowski.

He reflected on how Poland’s independence in 1918 was a historic event that has shaped its modern statehood. “Commemorating it today in Kuala Lumpur with all of our distinguished guests, supporters and friends is a joyous occasion for myself and my fellow countrymen,” Dobrowolski said.

He added that interestingly, the Polish Tatars – a distinct Muslim ethnic group – had been living in the territory of Poland since the 14th century.

“What’s more, at the Islamic Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur you can appreciate artefacts from Poland and by Polish artists.

“Yet, Poland, a creative and innovative country at the heart of Europe, with its numerous sites on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s World Heritage List, is still waiting to be discovered by many Malaysians.

“One of the ways to do so is by experiencing the excellent Polish cuisine and we have spared no effort to that end, both at the reception and three more days at the Polish Food Festival at Four Seasons Hotel.

“The master chefs from Poland will ensure this,” Dobrowolski said.

Speaking on a more solemn note, Dobrowolski said that people were now living in turbulent times.

“For almost two years now the war of aggression has been waged by a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council against our neighbour Ukraine.

“Recently, also the situation in the Middle-East has been on the edge of spiralling out of control.

“In these circumstances it is important, more than ever, for the countries of our regions, for the European Union and ASEAN, to seek and find common ground in our foreign policies.

“When we talk to our Asian colleagues, much more often than not, we see eye-to-eye on crucial international issues, especially when it comes to the need to observe international and humanitarian laws, and honour international agreements.

‘We have much more in common than some would like us to believe,” Dobrowolski said.

He commended the remarkable speech by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the last UN General Assembly, as an ample testimony to it.

“Therefore, it is important to reinforce that spirit of cooperation and build on that,” Dobrowolski said. – airtimes.my