The main topics raised during the event included current threats to world peace and security as well as related challenges to bilateral cooperation. The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the previous year and to outline plans as regards joint actions in the months to come.

In his opening speech, Minister Rau stressed the role and importance of Asia-Pacific countries in Poland’s foreign policy and the need for further joint efforts to continue cooperation based on the principles of international order. The head of the Polish MFA recalled the contacts he maintained in 2022 with foreign ministers of countries in the Asia-Pacific area. He stressed that the war in Ukraine is not a regional conflict limited to Europe and combating its effects requires a coordinated response from both Poland and the EU as well as from Asia-Pacific countries. The top Polish diplomat also noted that due to Russia’s aggressive policy, countries all over the world are forced to struggle with energy and food insecurity, serious disruptions in supply chains, high inflation rates, and unpredictable and volatile markets.

Additionally, considerable attention was devoted to prospects for developing cooperation in trade and investments.

The meeting was attended by diplomats representing 19 embassies of countries of the Asia-Pacific region that are accredited to Poland, including those residing in Berlin.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson