Poland’s National Independence Day and Armed Forces Day were marked with a reception hosted by the Polish Ambassador to Turkey, Maciej Lang, in Ankara. In his speech, Ambassador Lang reiterated Poland’s strong support for Turkey’s EU accession, emphasizing, “We will continue to advocate for the deepening of the dialogue between the EU and Turkey, recognizing the undeniable strategic importance of our mutual relationship. Whether through economic cooperation, cultural exchange, or our partnership within NATO, we are united in our efforts to create a better world.”
Haşim KILIÇ
THE reception, held at the Polish Embassy, was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister and President of the European Union (EU) Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay, as well as numerous ambassadors, military officials, and foreign mission representatives. In his opening speech, Ambassador Maciej Lang emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is multifaceted and has been developing in every field, stating:
HIGH-LEVEL VISITS
“We appreciate the support provided by the Turkish Armed Forces to repair the infrastructure damaged by the recent flood disaster in our country, as well as the aid provided by the Turkish community and companies based in Poland. Cooperation between Poland and Türkiye in all sectors has significantly increased over the years, thanks to shared values, mutual respect, and a long-standing history of friendship. The recent high-level visits are a clear testament to our deepening relationship. The visit of Szymon Holownia, Speaker of the lower house of the Polish Parliament, the Sejm, to Türkiye, and his meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, represent another important chapter in our political dialogue and reinforce our mutual commitment to closer cooperation. This dialogue is of great importance to the entire international community today, as it faces challenging tests such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the violence in the Middle East, both of which have devastated the lives of many innocent people.”
Maciej Lang, Mehmet Kemal Bozay
CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE AND STABILITY
Ambassador Lang further emphasized the vital role of NATO cooperation in enhancing regional security, stating, “We are addressing the challenges of today’s complex geopolitical landscape while contributing to peace and stability in Europe and beyond. Polish soldiers stationed at key NATO facilities, such as the Incirlik Air Base, NATO Land Command in Izmir, and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps in Istanbul, stand as a testament to Poland’s unwavering commitment to collective defense.” He also highlighted the growing collaboration in the defense industry, noting the recent visit of Turkey’s Deputy Minister of National Defense, Sami Tüfekçi, to the International Defense Industry Fair in Kielce as a clear indication of both countries’ strong interest in this area. “Our nations deeply understand the critical importance of defense cooperation, particularly in the current global context,” he added.
TRADE VOLUME REACHES 12 BILLION EUROS
Ambassador Lang underscored the expanding economic ties between Poland and Türkiye, stating, “Poland and Türkiye share a strong and growing economic partnership. Our trade volume reached 12 billion euros in 2023, a figure that not only highlights the strength of our economic relations but also reveals significant potential for further growth. The increasing investments from Turkish companies in Poland and the new opportunities discovered by Polish businesses in Türkiye are proof that our economic ties are a vital pillar of our bilateral relationship.” He also pointed out that the 1.6 million Polish tourists who visited Türkiye last year, with expectations for even higher numbers this year, further demonstrate the flourishing bilateral relations. “Additionally, Poland remains the top destination for Turkish Erasmus students, playing a key role in enhancing mutual understanding and respect,” he added.
Maciej Lang, Hayriye Kumaşçıoğlu
SUPPORT FOR EU MEMBERSHIP
Stating that Poland firmly supports Türkiye’s accession to the EU, Ambassador Lang said, “We will continue to advocate for further development of the dialogue between the EU and Türkiye, whose mutual strategic importance cannot be overlooked. In conclusion, the relationship between Poland and Türkiye is built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to a brighter future. Whether through economic cooperation, cultural exchange, or our partnership in NATO, we are working together to make our world a better place to live.”
CONSTRUCTIVE AND CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE
Ambassador Hayriye Kumaşçıoğlu, Director General for Bilateral Relations with Central and Northern Europe at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed her commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, stating, “We are determined to deepen our relations in all areas and look forward to continuing this valuable partnership, guided by the constructive and ongoing dialogue between our countries.” She emphasized the importance of strengthening solidarity, particularly in the wake of Poland’s recent flood disaster, extending heartfelt condolences for the loss of life and damage caused. “On international platforms, especially within Euro-Atlantic institutions, we have established a productive dialogue both bilaterally and multilaterally, addressing today’s complex global security, political, and economic challenges,” Kumaşçıoğlu noted. She also highlighted the strong ties between the Turkish community in Poland and the Polish community in Türkiye, stating, “We are working closely to address mutual concerns.” Lastly, she expressed gratitude for Poland’s support of Türkiye’s EU accession process, adding, “We hope that this support will be further strengthened during Poland’s Presidency of the Council in the first half of 2025.”
Gunter Glitsch, Sybille Sorg
Gabriele Juen, Maria Virginia Mendes Da Silva Pina
