Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf & DFM Dziedziczak |
(Published in March 2016 issue of Polish American Journal). WASHINGTON, D.C. – During his week-long visit to the United States, Secretary of State and Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Dziedziczak was the guest of honor at an Embassy of the Republic of Poland reception here on February 3, 2016 hosted by Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is charged with Poland’s international diplomacy as well as maintaining and fostering ties with the sizable world-wide Polish diaspora. Minister Dziedziczak was very eager to meet with the broad spectrum of the leaders, members and notables of the Polonia present.
He was gregarious and very generous with his precious time, speaking at length to individuals and groups about their concerns, ideas, suggestions, questions, etc. - all in the spirit and synergy of continued bilateral co-operation between Poland and America. He was especially taken and impressed by two groups of students from Georgetown University and American University who are invested in Polish Studies.
In his address to the American Polonia, Minister Dziedziczak stated that “Both here and in Poland we have one goal: the best interests of our country, patriotism, and putting all our efforts for the common good,” urging Polish-Americans to be Poland’s ambassadors and lobbyists, and to work actively to rectify false information about Poland, especially in the context of World War II.
DFM Dziedziczak |
Attendees |
He also declared that Poland’s partnership with the international Polish communities is key for the mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On Capitol Hill Minister Dziedziczak met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Europe Victoria Nuland and the bi-partisan Congressional Caucus on Poland.
The Warsaw NATO summit in July, and plans to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, as well as the reinforcement of Polish-American relations were all discussed. “Poland is a long standing and reliable ally of the United States … The U.S. is our strategic partner and cooperation with this country guarantees our security” stated the Deputy Minister.
Other cities on Dziedziczak’s itinerary included New York City and Chicago. He managed to meet with scores of Polonia’s leaders and members, its clergy, and was welcomed by elected officials wherever he went. Visits to various mainline Polish institutions and monuments were deemed an important component of his journey.
Polish Embassy Reception with Polonia. Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Dziedziczak - at right, flanked by host Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf, are both depicted sharing a light moment with the reception audience at the Polish Embassy during his official visit to Washington. |
Prof. Iwona Sadowska (center-left) & students from Georgetown University |
It was a seven-day whirlwind tour for Deputy Minister Jan Dziedziczak, but he ably managed to reap a bountiful harvest of good will and continued critical support for Poland. Much to his credit, America and its Polonia actively responded to him with their admiration and affirmation in many different respects. It was a real win-win reciprocation for everyone in communion with a most successful diplomatic endeavor.
Richard P. Poremski
Polish American Journal
Buffalo, NY USA
www.polamjournal.com
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