While in Australia, Deputy Minister Gerwel visited Sidney and Canberra. In Sidney, he met with representatives of the European Australian Business Council to discuss economic cooperation, and with Australia’s former Prime Minister Tony Abbott to talk about international issues. He also had a chance to meet with representatives of the Polish community in the country, and gave an interview to the Polish section of the SBS radio station.

During his stay in the country’s capital, Deputy Minister Gerwel held consultations with Deputy Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan. When discussing the international situation, the deputy foreign ministers exchanged views on, among other things, the Russian aggression against Ukraine and developments in the Indo-Pacific region. The talks showed that Poland and Australia hold similar positions, particularly as regards the war in Ukraine. The diplomats also spoke about bilateral cooperation, including investments. Additionally, Deputy Minister Gerwel met with Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts. A meeting with representatives of the National Security College offered another opportunity to discuss the international situation.

While in New Zealand, the Polish diplomat held several meetings in the country’s capital. During consultations with Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Chris Seed, the officials discussed bilateral cooperation and key issues related to the international situation. The diplomats agreed that it is necessary to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression. They also discussed the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. The war in Ukraine was the focus of an interministerial meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, attended by representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Defence, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the country’s Defence Force. A lunch held at the New Zealand Parliament to mark the 50th anniversary of establishing Polish-New Zealand diplomatic relations provided an opportunity to further discuss the prospects for developing bilateral relations. The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Gregory O’Connor, Members of Parliament, representatives of local authorities, Polish honorary consuls to New Zealand, and representatives of the Polish community. Deputy Minister Gerwel also gave an interview to the NZ International Review journal.

Undersecretary of State Wojciech Gerwel’s visit to Port Moresby was the first time in the history of the two countries’ bilateral relations when a representative of the government of the Republic of Poland travelled to Papua New Guinea. The year 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Poland and Papua New Guinea. At the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Gerwel held consultations with Foreign Affairs Secretary Elias Wohengu. He also met with Minster for Justice and Attorney General Pila Niningi and with Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Don Polye. He had a chance to talk with former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Peter O’Neill. Other important events during Deputy Minister Gerwel’s visit to Papua New Guinea were his meetings with Honorary Consul Father Jan Czuba as well as with Polish missionaries and representatives of the Polish community.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson