32 years of partnership: Poland and Ukraine celebrate another anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations

Despite several political scandals, the blockade of the border by Polish carriers, and the unresolved situation with the export of Ukrainian grain, Poles and Ukrainians still remain partners. On January 8, Ukraine and Poland celebrate the thirty-second anniversary of diplomatic friendship.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recalled the diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Poland. January 8, 2024, marks the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Poland, according to a statement from the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland.

"Our countries and nations are united by true friendship and attachment to European principles and values. We highly value friendly relations and our strategic partnership. Independence will always be a strong support for Poland's freedom. Together we are building a powerful alliance in a united Europe. Together we are stronger. We will win" the embassy added.

https://twitter.com/UKRinPL/status/1744387158075482608

Poland plans to replace some of its ambassadors, as stated by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, who noted that "some ambassadors, for various reasons, are clearly not suitable for these positions".

Should we then expect the dismissal of the Polish ambassador to Ukraine, Jaroslaw Guza?

The diplomat himself thinks not.

"I have the impression, although I'm not sure, that he didn't necessarily mean me", he said on TVN 24, referring to Bartoszewski's quoted statement. The ambassador admitted that he "feels tired" of questions about the dismissal.

The Polish ambassador to Ukraine, Jaroslaw Guza, states that the policy with Kyiv is very important for his country. According to him, the decision to dismiss some ambassadors will be made by way of compromise with the president and will not concern the Polish diplomat in Kyiv.

According to Guza, he clearly understood what he was getting into when he accepted the offer to become ambassador to Ukraine. He added that to change a specific ambassador now, the government must agree to a compromise with the president. He thinks this will happen. However, the situation with Ukraine is slightly different.

"As for Ukraine, this is a special situation that I knew about and took into account when accepting the proposal of the previous Minister of Foreign Affairs. As we know, there is a consensus in Polish politics regarding the policy towards Ukraine", the diplomat said.

He believes that President Andrzej Duda would probably not allow a premature change of the Ukrainian ambassador.

“Ukrainian policy is very important to him. The government wants to cooperate with the president on this matter, and the president with the government"
Jaroslaw Guza said.

Moreover, during the visit of the head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Radoslaw Sikorski, there was no indication that a new ambassador might soon arrive in Kyiv. “We talked for a long time, not only on Ukrainian topics. We cooperated, we know each other privately. I have not heard anything to indicate that I will not continue this mission," the ambassador said.