Dubai - Robert Rostek says Poland's 100th I-Day coincides with Year of Zayed, and it is so unique
Published: Tue 17 Apr 2018, 5:07 PM
Updated: Tue 17 Apr 2018, 9:26 PM
They are just 4,125 in numbers, but the Polish people boast of almost a three-decade old strong bonds with the UAE. They are the biggest Polish community in the Arab World, which makes it easy to understand why the ties are getting stronger.
Little is known about the activities of the community in the public domain and that's why many got surprised when Poland was selected as the Guest of Honour country for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Book Fair, one of the major literary events in the UAE.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Robert Rostek, Polish Ambassador to the UAE, said: "This year is very unique for us as our 100 years of Independence coincides with the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In the Year of Zayed, we are also the Guest of Honour country in the Abu Dhabi Book fair, which is first in the history of our relations with any Arab nation."
Robert Rostek told Khaleej Times there was huge rise in number of Poles visiting the UAE in the last six months and the number touched to 15,000. The number of Emiratis visited during this time touched 16,000.
'No big tragedy like casualties becoming normal'Poland is a country which has seen the horrors of a world war. When the world is in the brink of a Third World War, Khaleej Times asked Robert Rostek, Poliand's Ambassador to the UAE, what solution Poland - where the World War II was triggered in 1939 after they were invaded by Germany - can offer to the 'warring world.'
"Our history is very painful. The World War was a problematic time for Poland; then there was Solidarity Revolutionary movement in 1981. We achieved peace, but of course, there were several casualties in the transformation process.
"As you said, the region is troubled with so many problems. Syria, Yemen and Iraq and we are far from reaching solution. Political solution is always the best. Sadly, we are moving to military intervention than reaching for a solution.
"In my opinion, there is no bigger tragedy like casualties and explosions becoming natural affairs. If we are not going to teach the young generation about the fragility of peace, the future will not be brilliant for them.
"We need to keep informed new generation about the dangers of conflicts. This is the time we have to make them know how important peace and harmony are."
nazeem@khaleejtimes.com
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Rostek said leading writers, media personalities and politicians will participate in the 5-day event. A commemorative book, which will be released both in the UAE and Poland, and Arabic translation of a famous Polish book are among the post-book fair activities aimed at keeping the memories for future, he added.
For the 100th anniversary of Independence, there will be "activities other than usual speeches", the ambassador said.
"We have a Polish school with 250 students, under the embassy of Abu Dhabi. They will perform Polonus, in traditional dress before dignitaries from the UAE, including Sheikhs and ambassadors from other countries."
Are there any Emiratis studying in Poland?
"Our academic ties are just in the beginning stage. . We have cooperation in training a few Emirati pilots in our institution in Warsaw. However, we need more time to promote this. Natuarlly, Emirati students go to UK, as eastern Europe is very far for them.
Expo invite, yet another special moment
Any plan to participate in Expo 2020?
"Yes, we got an invite from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to participate in the special Expo. We finalised our presence a few weeks back. The official confirmation will be made in two weeks.
"It will also be announced by our prime minister during the opening of Abu Dhabi Book fair," Robert Rostek, Poland's Ambassador to the UAE, disclosed.
He added that a dedicated team is already working to make the Expo, a unique experience. "There is still time to finalise our theme as the final list of countries is yet to come."
Other areas of cooperation
The other key areas of cooperation between the two countries are political dialogue, sport, defence and trade ties since the embassy has made its presence in 1989. The trade ties are worth $800million now and the highest was $1billion in 2014.
Talking about the strong security situation in the UAE the ambassador said: "People think the situation across the region is like Syria, Iraq and Yemen. I was asked a few months back, why so many Poles are visiting UAE? Then we have to explain the situation and the possibilities here. Security-wise, UAE is number one now. Even in the USA, one does not feel this much security."
Connectivity between the two nations have improved a lot. A few days back the official carrier fly dubai started daily flight to Krakow. Emirates has a direct daily flight to Warsaw, the country's capital. Also, they can travel from Maktoum airport and use charter flights. Visa-waiver is an added advantage for both countries.
Regarding the political dialogue, Rostek said: "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and met the president-elect during his visit to Poland in 2015. Now the official visit from Polish side is due. It will happen before the Expo 2020.
"This year we are expecting political dialogue between Ministry of foreign affairs of both countries, most probably in Abu Dhabi first and then in Warsaw. We are trying to keep the momentum on track. This is very important to continue the close relation as UAE is our key strategic partner in the region. The UAE, appreciate personal visits and dialogue more than any other countries in order to create the ground for future cooperation."
When asked whether he has brought new vigour to the existing ties between the two nations, Rostek said: "The new ambassador always stands for new vision and activities. It is not a secret that I am an active person and using my knowledge of the region and inviting more Polish people here. And of course, during my two and half year-long term, a quite big number of people visited from both sides; and the Emirati community is satisfied with what the embassy is doing."
Is language a barrier?
"Language is not a barrier. We had very good dialogue with Damac in Davos economioc summit. This kind of bilateral discussions can lead to important contracts. But it is quite natural in our sector to keep everything under wraps until a final decision is reached. But I am very happy because I can notice more interest from both sides to invest in Poland an in the UAE. You can communicate in UAE in English. However, my Arabic knowledge is of additional value."
Despite all, "there are still gaps, which needs to be filled like in education sector,' the ambassador said.
"Besides, we are getting queries from Emirati business people on how to invest in Poland, which is a very positive trend."
nazeem@khaleejtimes.com
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