“We believe that the African continent should be in the focus of the international community,” stressed the Polish foreign minister. “Security and stability in the region directly influence the humanitarian situation of civilians as well as mass movements of people,” he said. “The growing disparities in living standards, growth prospects and security environment are destroying the sense of unity between states and leading to destabilization. The biggest challenge today is to overcome these sorts of new divisions,” said Minister Czaputowicz in his address during the plenary session “Rights, justice and freedom faced with security challenges.”

“Poland welcomes all efforts by African states to improve their legal and political systems with a view to ensuring better protection for civilians in armed conflict. We are willing to work together with our African partners on these issues. We are at the same time convinced that solutions to Africa’s problems should be proposed by Africans themselves so that they reflect local conditions to the highest possible extent,” said Minister Jacek Czaputowicz.

In his address, the foreign minister also stressed that it is important for Poland to protect the rights of religious groups exposed to extremist attacks and acts of hatred and intolerance. “Freedom of religion is one of the fundamental human rights that need to be protected,” said the MFA head.

This year’s edition of the Forum was attended by French Minister of Defence Florence Parly, the foreign ministers of West African countries, senior representatives of the UN Secretary General, and international experts on security and new technologies. The Polish foreign minister’s presence at the event demonstrates our country’s commitment to building a stable and secure Africa.

On the occasion of the Forum, the chief of Polish diplomacy was also received today by President of the Republic of Senegal Macky Sall for talks on bilateral relations, especially on developing closer economic links. Also discussed was the planned visit of President Andrzej Duda to Senegal.

In the margins of the Forum, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz met with Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Marianne Hagen, with whom he discussed Polish-Norwegian cooperation at the UN and Poland’s experiences of its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. He also spoke to Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa.

MFA Press Office