A concert was held at the Main Hall of CSO ADA Ankara to mark Poland’s Presidency of the European Union (EU) Council. The event featured the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lukasz Borowicz, with Aleksandra Swigut on the piano.
Haşim KILIÇ
Before the concert, Maciej Przemyslaw Lang, the Ambassador of Poland to Türkiye, hosted a cocktail reception. Elif Kurşunlu, Director General for EU Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Thomas Hans Ossowski, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, and numerous other ambassadors and guests attended the event.
During his speech, Ambassador Maciej Przemyslaw Lang highlighted the strength of bilateral relations built on diplomacy and mutual respect, saying, “We hope to further strengthen the ties between the EU and Türkiye during our presidency.” Lang added:
“Today, we celebrate the beginning of Poland’s Presidency of the European Union Council. Europe is currently grappling with the ongoing impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, now in its third year, which underscores the need for robust defense capacities. This is critical not only for Poland but for Europe as a whole. Over the next six months, we will continue negotiations with Europe, taking responsibility and fostering cooperation.
SECURE EUROPE
Our presidency motto is ‘Secure Europe.’ We will focus on security in seven areas, including internal and external politics, information, economy, energy, food, and healthcare. During our presidency, we will do our utmost to promote freedom and democracy while supporting those striving for the best within the European Union.
Poland enjoys strong communication and cooperation with Türkiye. The bilateral relations between our countries are built on diplomacy and mutual respect. Under the Polish Presidency, we aim to maintain a constructive dialogue with Türkiye as a candidate country. We hope that during our presidency, the bonds between the EU and Türkiye will grow even stronger. Poland stands ready to support our European partners and beyond.”
THE NEED FOR UNITY
Elif Kurşunlu, Director General for EU Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, thanked Poland for its support of Türkiye-EU relations and expressed confidence that Poland’s presidency would be constructive not only for the future of the EU but also for Türkiye-EU relations. Kurşunlu stated:
“We need unity. In these unpredictable times, our continent needs unity. The slogan ‘Secure Europe!’ is a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and security within the EU and in our shared home. Europe’s security environment has undergone a radical transformation in recent years.”
GLOBAL SECURITY CHALLENGES
Thomas Hans Ossowski, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, emphasized Poland’s focus on security and defense issues. He said, “Poland’s Presidency is critical in international relations. Global security is facing significant challenges. We appreciate Poland’s focus on defense and security. At the same time, we need Türkiye as a strong and strategic partner. As a candidate country, Türkiye has much to offer. I am confident that we will work closely and collaboratively over the next six months.”
Following the cocktail reception, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, led by Polish conductor Lukasz Borowicz, took the stage. Pianist Aleksandra Swigut accompanied the orchestra, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor, Op. 11, and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14.
