Before engaging in a career in diplomacy he worked as a journalist. He has spent three years as a full time ambassador to Ethiopia, also being accredited to countries like South Sudan and Djibouti. He is also permanent representative to Africa Union, IGAD and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Poland has been contributing in the human development of the country. Ethiopia is in debt of the Republic of Poland’s government due to its involvement in developing of human capital and seeking the talents of Ethiopian individuals. For instance Poland discovered Girma Yifrashewa, a talented Ethiopian pianist who plays Chopin’s music on a piano imported from Poland. Poland is also a country which educated Worku Goshu, one of the most famous Ethiopian artists. With his Polish wife, Barbara, they glorify Poland and Ethiopia as well.
In this and other related topical issues, The Ethiopian Herald approached Aleksander Kropiwnicki, Ambassador to Ethiopia, to deal on Ethiopian-Poland relations. Excerpts:
Herald: Has the Embassy of Poland achieved its goals since its establishment in this country?
Aleksander Kropiwnicki: There are companies which are active here in this country, e.g. Asseco Poland, Polish Armament Group and others. We have to constantly convince them that Ethiopia is a safe and responsible partner. We are waiting to reach an agreement in the area of mutual investment protection which would encourage our investors to come here.
We have also worked on military cooperation through the practical process of Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia. This was signed with the officials in 2018, while I was already here.
These are some of the targets and goals achieved so far. I also believe we have been quite successful in establishing partnership with the African Union.
Herald: Can you say a few words on academic cooperation between Ethiopia and Poland?
Aleksander Kropiwnicki: We really enjoy cooperation in various spheres. I have been particularly delighted with our academic cooperation.
While the President of Ethiopia Dr. Mulatu Teshome visited Poland in April 2018, an intention letter on academic cooperation was signed. Since then a number of Ethiopians have started their studies in Poland.
Private universities in Poland require tuition fees but the state-owned ones can be free if one successfully applies for Lukasiewicz scholarship. Last year 22 Ethiopian students gained the scholarships. The Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship Program is a joint initiative of the Polish government and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). The patron of the program is Ignacy Łukasiewicz, an outstanding Polish inventor, pharmacist and pioneer of the oil industry. Now recruitment for the 2020 scholarship program is open again. In short, participation in the program enables undertaking of tuition-free Master degree studies at public universities in such areas of study as: engineering and technical sciences, agricultural sciences, sciences and natural sciences. It is preferable to learn Polish language before enrolling in the academic program and Poland offers such opportunity.
In terms of development cooperation Poland has so far been focused on education, medical care and, recently, on tourism infrastructure. I am, however, a strong advocate of long term cooperation rather than short term projects. Poland has been working on its new development cooperation strategy.
Both nations have a lot in common, e.g. regarding their Christian tradition and treating their sovereignty as priority. We highly estimate our independence – indeed, two proud nations.
Just like Ethiopia, Poland was recently struggling with consequences of its Communist past. We have shown that these can be solved within a short period of time. This was proved when Poland joined the European Union after only 15 years starting its political and economic transformation. This was possible because the nation remained unified on crucial priorities regarding national security and international cooperation.
Of course, foreign business has appeared helpful for economic development of Poland. Looking at Ethiopia nowadays,
I see some aspects that are similar with the situation in Poland after 1989. This also concerns regional security. We enjoy stability of Central Europe. I truly believe that one day, also due to the efforts of Ethiopia, stability of Horn of Africa will be achieved.
Herald: Do you have any comments on the influence of Ethiopia in the East African region?
Aleksander
Kropiwnicki: Currently, Ethiopia has been
very significantly contributing to security and stability in such East African
countries as e.g. Sudan and South Sudan. As we all know, the unity government
of South Sudan has finally been established which makes me optimistic.
Generally, the three years I have spent in here were a fascinating period, time
of valuable changes for Ethiopia and indeed for Africa.
The new Chairperson of the European Union Commission visited Addis Ababa last December. Poland is a member state of the European Union. Poland’s interest in African and Ethiopian issues has been growing as it has been growing in the EU.
Herald: As an Ambassador, what achievements do you hope to see realized?
Aleksander Kropiwnicki: In the work as ambassador there are no personal goals. It is all about successful cooperation between Poland and Ethiopia.
Poland, with all the international community wishes to see Africa and Ethiopia stabilized, self-confident, strong economically as well as politically.
Herald: Has there been any support for the embassy towards further strengthening the Ethiopia-Poland ties?
Aleksander Kropiwnicki: Both sides are now keen to cooperate. We have more bilateral meetings now. At the end of last year two high-rank representatives of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Poland and political consultations took place in Warsaw. I am very proud of the fact that I was able to facilitate these visits.
I work on presenting Ethiopia in Poland as a state that is very influential countries in the African Union. We should never forget that the African Union has its headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Last year, three representatives of Ethiopian business institutions attended the European Economic Congress in Katowice. They came back impressed with potential of Polish business and opportunities that cooperation with Polish investors can create.
It must be stressed in regards to this that we work for future generations. A large proportion of the Ethiopian population is under the age of 25. I truly believe that mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries will flourish.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday edition March 1/2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday edition March 1/2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
