Philippine envoy to Poland Ambassador Patricia Ann V. Paez met with the Rector of Jagellonian University Dr. Wojciech Nowak and other university officials, nemely Dean of the Faculty of International and Political Studies Dr. Bogdan Szlachta, Dr. Adam Jelonek of the Institute of Middle and Far Eastern Studies, Deputy Director of the same Institute Dr. Ewa Torjnar, Dr. Renata Czekalska, also of the same Institute; and with Dr. Leszek Korporowicz of the Institute of Intercultural Studies. Ambassador Paez and Rector Dr. Nowak discussed ways of creating links between the Jagellonian University and universities in the Philippines and of increading student exchanges. Prof. Jelonek said that when he was Poland’s non-resident envoy to the Philippines, he was able to establish linkages between Jagellonian University and the Ateneo de Manila University. Rector Dr. Nowak stressed that among other disciplines, the Jagellonian University excels in the field of medicine and looks forwward to welcoming students from the Philippines. Ambassador Paez said that there is very little information in the Philippines about the educational institutions in Poland and that majority of those who pursue higher studies in European universities - such as in the UK, France, or Germany - are not even aware that many academic degree programs in Poland, both at ther masteral and doctoral levels - are conducted in English. She also informed the Jagellonian University officials that the EU Mission to the Philippines holds an “Education Fair” in Manila every year which has attracted thousands of Filipino students who wish to study in Europe. She noted that, regrettably, Poland is not represented and does not participate in this annual education fair. Ambassador Paez expressed optimism that once Poland’s Embassy is re-opened in Manila, educational and student exchanges will increase significantly. She shared with the university officials, the Philippine government’s deep appreciation for the announcement last January by Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Witold Waszczykowski that Poland will recreate is diplomatic post in the Philippines. After her meeting with Rector Dr. Nowak, Dr. Szlachta, and Dr. Jelonek at the Rector’s office, Ambassador Paez had a separate meeting with faculty members of the Institute of Middle and Far Eastern Studies and the Institute of Intercultural Studies. They all noted the importance of giving due attention to the Southeast Asia, especially with the emergence of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), composed of 10 Member-States, as a key regional and international “player.” Dr. Leszek Korporowicz of the Institute of Intercultural Studies explored the feasibility of holding an intercultural conference in Manila with the participation of Polish academics and interested stakeholders. After the meeting, Ambassador Paez delivered a lecure on “The Philippines Today: The Philippine Position on the Competing Claims in the WPS/SCS” under the auspices of the “Jagellonian Diplomatic Encounters.”