In photo are the Mayor of Torun Mr. Michal Zaleski (1st row, 2nd from right); Ambassador of Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Muhammad Mahfuzur Rahman (2nd row, left); and Amb. Patricia Ann V. Paez (2nd row, 2nd from left) during the opening of the Asian Congress which was held in Torun

Amb. Paez delivering her brief remarks

Academic coordinator of the Congress Prof. Joanna Marszalek-Kawa (center) with Amb. Paez

WARSAW____Philippine ambassador to Poland Ms. Patricia Ann V. Paez attended the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the International Asia Congress which was held at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun.

            In her brief remarks, Amb. Paez stressed that the fastest-growing and most dynamic economies in the world today are in Asia. She said that Poland must seize the opportunities in the region by intensifying its engagement with the Asian region, especially since many economic complementarities exist between Poland and the countries of Asia. Amb. Paez said that she looks forward to seeing the strong “Polish eagle” hovering over the skies of Asia.

            Attesting to Poland’s growing interest in Asia was the participation of Polish Prime Minister H.E. Mrs. Beata Szydlo in the “Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” in Beijing which was also attended by President Rodrigo Duterte. Both the Philippines and Poland are members of the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

            The Deputy Chief of Mission of the PRC Embassy in Poland Mr. Lin Jian said that the “Belt and Road is open to all” and added that “China is willing to share opportunities of development.”

            Mr. Radoslaw Flisiuk, head of the Chinese Department in Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The Belt and Road initiative was welcomed by Poland; that it will result in the mutual benefit of all participating countries.” He further said that “we believe that this concept can become an important factor in international efforts to consolidate a base for sustainable development.”

            The Deputy Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Mr. Zbigniew Ostrowski noted that “the Belt and Road idea might also positively stimulate the Polish economy.”

            The 4th edition of the International Asia Congress was organized by the Asia Pacific Society and the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. (END)