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Deputy Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk in Poznan on prospects for reconciliation in the Western Balkans

23.10.2019

“Poland understands the importance of reconciliation very well, but also knows that it is a difficult process,” said Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk during a debate on culture of reconciliation and the Polish-German experience in this area, which was held in Poznan.

Wiceminister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk podczas debaty w Poznaniu

Organised by the Institute for Western Affairs and the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, the event focused on the prospects of drawing on the Polish-German reconciliation experience in the process of reconciliation of nations in the Western Balkans region. The conference was one of the last expert meetings held as part of Polish presidency of the Berlin Process. A key event of the Process was the Western Balkans Summit, which took place Poznan in July this year.

During the conference, experts from Poland and the Western Balkans talked about the universal culture of reconciliation and the perception of the Polish-German reconciliation process and whether it can be used as a model for the Western Balkans region. Apart from the experts, the debate was also attended by students from Adam Mickiewicz University.

Deputy Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk expressed his belief that many Polish experiences can be used in the Western Balkans region. “The Polish presidency of the Berlin Process, the Western Balkans Summit in Poznan and its accompanying events gave us an insight into the region’s problems and an opportunity to intensify our contacts with our Balkan partners,” noted the deputy foreign minister.

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk emphasised that Poland is strongly committed to maintaining its involvement in the Balkans and outlined key activities and projects carried out by Poland, as well as its financial support provided to the region during our presidency of the Berlin Process. “Reconciliation, solving difficult issues and supporting civil society in the region were among top priorities of our presidency,” recalled Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk, highlighting Poland’s consistent support for the European aspirations of the Western Balkans region. He also stressed that a lack of a decision and offer for North Macedonia and Albania with respect to their EU accession is in Poland’s view a great mistake which can undermine the trust of the whole region in the European Union.

MFA Press Office

Photo: Institute for Western Affairs

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