In his speech, Head of the Foreign Service explained how the Foreign Service Day came about and recalled that in February of this year the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Poczta Polska S.A. signed a cooperation agreement to promote knowledge about Poland, and its cultural heritage abroad, which emphasized the important role Polish philately has had in shaping a positive image of Poland in the international arena.

The Head of the Foreign Service also pointed to philatelic cooperation with other countries, such as Hungary and Lithuania, showcased in the exhibition. He expressed his hope that similar collaboration would be extended to include other partner countries, stating - I am convinced that there is much more room for further international cooperation in the field of philately. We are open to all suggestions.

Deputy CEO Wiesław Włodek emphasized that the mission of the Polish postal service, ever since its beginnings 463 years ago, has been to transmit information. On many occasions the postal stamp has served that very purpose, as well as a miniature work of art. The Deputy CEO thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years of cooperation, during which numerous philatelic publications were issued commemorating events and figures important to the history of Poland, showing that these stamps are transmitters of diplomacy.

In his remarks, the President of the Polish Philatelic Association, Mr Henryk Monkos, indicated that traditional diplomacy has been complimented by stamps jointly issued with other friendly countries.

- The postage stamp is our best ambassador - he added by quoting the exhibition’s slogan.

The exhibition of Polish post stamps is divided into five thematic areas, reflecting the cross-section of contemporary Polish history, Poland’s road to independence and freedom, its place in the world and the achievements of famous Polish men and women for the good and development of humanity. Not only philately enthusiasts, but also people for whom the stamp is just a small adhesive piece of paper attached to postal items will be able to appreciate Polish bilateral, regional and global diplomatic relations, as well as the history of Poland and it people during most tested times thanks to stamps, cards and postal folders.

Foreign Service Day, which falls on November 16 every year, is a recognition of the role of diplomacy in building Poland's position on the international arena. It is also an opportunity to familiarize the public with the activities of Polish diplomacy, both those in the spotlight of the media, as well as those less spectacular, which make up the everyday functioning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Polish diplomatic missions around the world. It is also a moment to appreciate the work and commitment of the Ministry's staff, which are the connection between setting goals of Polish foreign policy and meeting them.

This year, the main theme of the Foreign Service Day is Polish diplomacy behind the scenes – an opportunity to showcase the scope of diplomatic work and its practical application by examples of consular work, public diplomacy, as well as the Diplomatic Academy’s role in shaping modern Polish diplomacy that can face contemporary international challenges.

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, it has been decided that the events related to the Foreign Service Day should mostly be available online. In doing so, the celebrations of Polish diplomacy have been extended to a week between 15-19 November.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: MFA / Łucja Sucharska