Undersecretary of State Robert Kupiecki and Head of the Foreign Service Rafał Wiśniewski welcomed 17 new diplomatic and consular trainees selected in a multi-stage enrolment procedure. The competition, which started in 2023, attracted 211 entries.

The deputy head of diplomacy congratulated the trainees and encouraged them to follow an unwritten code of principles guiding diplomats in the foreign service. He pointed to the sense of mission, flexibility, availability, cooperation, discretion, and independent thinking as a few examples of the qualities and behaviour that distinguish a professional diplomat. The Head of the Foreign Service referred to the life of Adolf Bocheński, an outstanding lawyer and columnist, second lieutenant of the Polish Armed Forces in the inter-war period, who, although not a professional diplomat, set an example with his determination and courage for young generations to follow. Head of the Foreign Service Rafał Wiśniewski proposed that Adolf Bocheński be declared patron of the current edition of the diplomatic and consular training.

The yearlong curriculum will cover, among other things, theoretical classes at the Diplomatic Academy, introducing the trainees to the intricacies of the work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the diplomatic toolkit. The trainees will broaden their knowledge about international relations, including issues concerning security, economy and law, and the priorities of the Polish foreign policy. The classes will be taught by professional diplomats and members of the ministerial staff as well as university lecturers. The trainees will also serve internships at the Ministry and at Polish diplomatic posts abroad to become acquainted with the practicalities of their future work.

Once they complete the curriculum and pass the diplomatic and consular exam, the trainees will be awarded the first diplomatic rank and will enter the corps of professional diplomats.

 

Photo: S. Indra / MFA