PH Embassy in Warsaw Celebrates 50 Years of PH-Poland Diplomatic Relations
Philippine Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz delivers her message during the Reception at the Royal Castle in Warsaw to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Philippines-Poland Relations. (photo from Warsaw PE)
WARSAW 26 September 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Warsaw celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Poland by hosting a Reception on Thursday evening, 21 September 2023, at the iconic Royal Castle in Warsaw.
The event was attended by officials from Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sejm, Senate, and several other ministries, as well as the Diplomatic Corps, representatives from the business, academic, and cultural sectors, and members of the Filipino community in Warsaw.
In her Message, Philippine Ambassador to Poland Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz recalled the beginnings of the two countries’ ties, noting that the establishment of diplomatic relations on 22 September 1973 strengthened the business, cultural, education, artistic, and other people-to-people interactions, which became the solid foundations for what would develop into an enduring relationship between the Philippines and Poland.
The Ambassador also highlighted the accelerated pace of bilateral exchanges in recent years, including high-level visits and consultations, parliamentary exchanges, active cooperation in the defense sector, negotiation of cooperation agreements, and the steady growth of trade and investments both ways.
The Guest of Honor, Polish Foreign Affairs Ministry State Undersecretary Jarosław Lindenberg, delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the Polish Government, affirming the progress achieved by both sides in deepening and expanding bilateral relations, and expressing satisfaction for his personal role and contribution in the historic reopening of the Polish Embassy in Manila in 2018.
As a special feature of the celebration, the Embassy invited Polish pianist Mr. Jerzy Michał Maciejewski to perform a musical program to highlight the shared love and talent of the Filipino and Polish peoples for the creative arts. Mr. Maciejewski played several well-loved pieces from Fryderyk Chopin, as well as Nicanor Abelardo’s First Nocturne, showing the connection between the two esteemed composers. Abelardo (1893-1934) was a gifted Filipino composer well known for his Kundiman songs.After the ceremony and musical performance, Ambassador Ruiz and Undersecretary Lindenberg led the guests in toasting the milestone anniversary, followed by the cocktail reception at the Royal Castle’s Council Chamber. END
Left: Guest of Honor, H.E. Mr. Jaroslaw Lindenberg delivered his message for the occasion. Right: At least 100 guest attended the Reception (photos from Warsaw PE)
The audience was treated to a special performance of Poland’s accomplished pianist, Mr. Jerzy Michał Maciejewski featuring the compositions of Fryderyk Chopin and Nicanor Abelardo. (photo from Warsaw PE)
Left: Ms. Michaela Alexandra, presents a floral bouquet in appreciation of the exceptional musical performance of Mr. Jerzy Michal Maciejewski.
Right: Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz and Undersecretary of State Jaroslaw Lindenberg offer a toast to 50 years of Philippines- Poland Relations (photos from Warsaw PE)
Left: Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz with H.E. Mr. Jarosław Lindenberg and Ambassador Barbara Szymanowska, Director of the MFA Asia-Pacific Department.
Right: Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz poses with Mr. Wojciech Szymulewicz, President and CEO of the Philippine-owned Baltic Container Terminal in the Port of Gdynia. (photos from Warsaw PE)
Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz poses with PZL Mielec officials (L-R) Mr. Piotr Niedbała, Sales and Programs Director, Ms. Ewa Maziarska, Program Manager/Business Development and Programs, and Mr. Andrzej Talaga, Government Relations Director. (photo from Warsaw PE)
The Officers and Staff of the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw pose with members of their respective families before the start of the Reception to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Philippines-Poland Relations at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on 21 September 2023. (photo from Warsaw PE)
