Good evening.
It is my pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate Poland’s National Independence Day and, on behalf of Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to extend congratulations and warm wishes to the Government and People of the Republic of Poland for the country’s continued prosperity and success.
I also wish to welcome you to our shores, Ambassador Kaszuba, and I hope that you will have an enjoyable and memorable visit here before your return to Caracas.
This event is bittersweet, for while we celebrate Poland’s National Independence Day, I note that this will also be Ambassador Kaszuba’s last visit to our country in his official role as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.
Your Excellency, your efforts throughout your three years as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, have contributed greatly to strengthening the bonds between our two nations. During my tenure as Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, we have held fruitful discussions on ways in which we could further explore avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, trade and investment, with a view to deepening relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Poland.
While our countries may differ in terms of geography and history, we share many commonalities and there exists scope, particularly through exchanges in trade and culture, to foster closer ties between our peoples. In the recent past we have welcomed visiting delegations from Poland to the annual Trade and Investment Conference and it is my hope that these linkages in commerce will continue to expand, particularly through the Economic Partnership Agreement.
I am also pleased to note that the number of Polish visitors to Trinidad and Tobago has been steadily increasing within the past years. It is hoped that travel between our countries for leisure will continue to grow, aided by the Schengen Visa Waiver Agreement and in due course, the appointment of a Trinidad and Tobago Honorary Consul in Poland.
In this regard, I acknowledge the good work being done by our host, Mr. Lewis, who in his role as Honorary Consul of Poland, has sought opportunities to build bridges between Poland and Trinidad and Tobago. The participation by Trinidad and Tobago nationals in the World Youth Day activities in Poland in July this year could not have been possible without his commendable efforts and it is a reminder to us that the paths for future engagements need not only be through the traditional channels.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in August 1998, we have enjoyed a good bilateral relationship and Trinidad and Tobago is pleased to count on Poland as a valued international partner. I note, Excellency, that within the past three years of your tenure, Poland has supported Trinidad and Tobago’s successful application for Schengen Visa Waiver status and more recently, our country’s bid to host the Arms Trade Treaty Secretariat. These exchanges of support are a testament to our strong relations and we look forward to continued cooperation within the international arena in matters of mutual interest and concern.
Regionally, Poland has also continued its decades-long work with the Organization of American States for the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and the preservation of human rights. Poland has also actively participated in the EU-CELAC Summits and has signaled its intention to pursue a strengthened relationship with CARICOM.
Excellency, when Ambassadors become accredited to a State, they are given the responsibility of reinforcing the strong linkages between both countries beyond historical ties and formalized political bonds. Trinidad and Tobago and Poland’s relationships have grown and now span political, economic, commercial and cultural fields, among others, with mutually beneficial outcomes.
I therefore take distinct pleasure in conveying to you and to Mrs Kaszuba best wishes on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for your future success and continued well-being and happiness.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in a toast to the health of His Excellency Piotr Kaszuba and to the future enhancement of the excellent ties which exist between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Republic of Poland.
I thank you.
