Polish Ambassador: My mission is to give new momentum to relations with Azerbaijan

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Poland on February 21, 1992, the bilateral agenda has demonstrated a positive and promising dynamic. The two countries are actively developing cooperation in various spheres – from political dialogue to economic and cultural exchanges. Their geopolitical positions and strategic interests open new horizons for Baku and Warsaw to deepen and expand their partnership.

In an interview with Report, the new Polish Ambassador to Baku, Pawel Radomski, shared his vision for Azerbaijan-Poland relations, emphasizing the intention to bring cooperation between Baku and Warsaw to a qualitatively new level. The diplomat also spoke about the priorities of his diplomatic mission and his first personal impressions of Azerbaijan.

- What priorities have you identified during your diplomatic mission in Baku to strengthen relations between Azerbaijan and Poland?

I believe that for any ambassador, the main priority is to strengthen bilateral relations, give them greater momentum, and create conditions under which cooperation will bring tangible benefits to both countries. In my case, this means developing ties between the host country, Azerbaijan, and my homeland, Poland.

Of course, this is a general vision of my priorities. More specifically, considering Azerbaijan’s growing political and economic potential and its increasing influence in the region, my task is to ensure that Poland better understands that Azerbaijan is a serious and reliable partner, opening wide opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in many different fields.

- Could you please elaborate on which areas of cooperation you are referring to? In your opinion, which fields have the greatest potential for expanding bilateral interaction?

First of all, we are talking about developing connectivity in a broad sense. This includes transport, telecommunications, and modern technologies, including digitalization - everything that helps improve connections between Azerbaijan and Poland.

Moreover, this is not only about bilateral interaction but also about a broader European context - developing transport corridors and infrastructure connectivity within regional and international initiatives. We see this sector as key and possessing significant potential for further cooperation.

Other important areas are agriculture and food production. I believe Poland has valuable experience in these fields. We have achieved considerable success in developing the agricultural sector and expanding the export potential of our products. Polish food exports continue to grow actively.

Additionally, Poland shows great interest in the field of renewable energy sources (RES). Having spent several months here, I am convinced that Azerbaijan has an ambitious program in the field of RES. Considering the COP29 climate conference held in November 2024, this area is undoubtedly among the priorities and is actively developing.

Of course, these are just some of the key sectors I would highlight first. But it is clear that the potential for cooperation between our countries is quite substantial.

- Poland recently underwent a government reshuffle. How does the government plan to shape bilateral relations with Azerbaijan?

I would say that at this stage, the focus is on continuing a stable and constructive dialogue between our countries. Established or institutionalized communication mechanisms already exist in the interaction between Baku and Warsaw. One such tool is the regular political consultations held at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

We intend to continue this practice: currently, preparations are underway to organize the next round of consultations, which we plan to hold this autumn in Warsaw. We are now working on setting a specific date.

Another important and regularly used mechanism of bilateral cooperation is the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGCEC). We are actively engaged in dialogue with appropriate Azerbaijanis authorities to prepare for the next commission meeting. The exact date is being coordinated. It is tentatively planned to take place this autumn in Warsaw. So, the fall season promises to be quite busy.

Regarding the Intergovernmental Commission, I believe it would be appropriate to combine its meeting with a business gathering or forum — regardless of what it will be called. In my view, direct contacts between business representatives and companies from both countries are crucial.

Such meetings and formats allow us to be more focused in our dialogue. They help not only to identify specific cooperation areas but also to set clear objectives and timelines for their implementation in the near future.

- Are any high-level mutual visits planned in the near future?

At the moment, no visits at the highest level are scheduled in the nearest future. However, my goal is to facilitate their organization. The agenda include meetings of high-ranking parliamentarians. Currently, it is Poland’s turn - a visit to Baku by the heads of the Sejm and the Senate (the Sejm is the lower house of parliament; the Senate is the upper house, which reviews laws adopted by the Sejm, may propose amendments, or reject them - ed.).

Of course, a meeting between the leaders of Poland and Azerbaijan would be an especially significant and highly anticipated event. This carries important political weight, considering that on August 6, 2025, Poland's new president, Karol Nawrocki, will take office.

- Is there a possibility of increasing the number of direct flights between Baku and Warsaw? Are there plans to open new routes between cities in Azerbaijan and Poland?

This matter concerns the Polish airline LOT. At present, the company adheres to its established schedule. Naturally, all decisions are made by the airline itself based on demand analysis and economic feasibility - depending on how well the flights are filled and how profitable they are from a financial standpoint.

Currently - from spring until the end of summer - five flights per week are operated, after which the schedule is expected to return to the usual four flights per week. At the moment, I have no information on a possible increase in flight frequency.

However, we have noted growing interest in Azerbaijan from Polish tourists, tour operators, and travel companies. Therefore, if this trend continues, it is quite possible that the question of increasing flight frequency will be considered in the future. For now, however, the company (LOT) is following the current schedule.

- Could this issue be included in the agenda of the upcoming Intergovernmental Commission meeting?

Absolutely. We highly value the opportunities that have emerged after the launch of direct air connections. It was a very timely decision.

- You have already visited the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. If I’m not mistaken, you have been to Lachin, Aghdam, and Shusha… Presumably, you had some prior information about this region before coming to Azerbaijan. What are your impressions of what you saw?

Yes, that’s correct. I also visited Khankandi. Indeed, I am glad that I had the opportunity to participate in two trips with representatives of the diplomatic corps in Azerbaijan. The first was to Khankandi, and during the second we visited the new airport in Lachin. We went to Shusha, then to Aghdam, and from there returned to Baku by train.

Both trips left a strong impression on me. The scale of reconstruction is impressive, with huge investments in infrastructure, roads, tunnels, and new buildings. We saw the new railway station in Aghdam, the Mugham Center, a concert hall - all of which have only recently opened.

At the same time, it is obvious that the region faces serious challenges. These include the return of people to the area, ensuring their employment, creating full infrastructure, and conditions for a decent life.

Nevertheless, I left these cities feeling inspired and energized by the sheer scale of what is happening and the active efforts underway to return the region to peaceful and full life.

- Do Polish companies show interest in participating in projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur? Are there any concrete proposals in this direction?

I believe there is indeed interest. Various companies, including architectural firms, are closely monitoring the reconstruction process in Karabakh.

Poland has a strong sector in the restoration of historic sites, partly thanks to our own experience rebuilding after World War II. For example, the entire Old Town in Warsaw was completely destroyed by German forces but was later rebuilt almost exactly as it was - you can see this for yourself. And this is just one of many examples.

Given our experience in this area, I am convinced that Polish specialists could make a valuable contribution to restoring historical heritage - in those places where work is underway to restore monuments and revive cultural life.

- Which other regions of Azerbaijan do you plan to visit?

I would like to visit all regions of Azerbaijan. I am especially drawn to the Caucasus Mountains - they look stunning in photos, and I really want to see them with my own eyes. I am also interested in the southern part of the country, the tea plantations, and everything related to them. In general, these are different corners of Azerbaijan, each of which deserves to be seen in person. Additionally, I would like to establish contacts with local authorities in various regions.

- And what about the Caspian Sea? Have you had a chance to enjoy it?

I get to enjoy the Caspian Sea in the evenings when I walk along the Seaside Boulevard. It is a wonderful place: lots of people, a lively atmosphere, a feeling of coziness, calmness, and some special energy. I really like it.

- In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Azerbaijani students studying at Polish universities. Are there plans to develop bilateral cooperation in education, including opportunities for Polish students to study in Azerbaijan?

I would like to develop this area so that exchanges happen in both directions. We are pleased to see the growing number of Azerbaijani students coming to study in Poland, and we highly appreciate this. It truly delights us.

At the same time, it would be wonderful to see more Polish students in Baku and Azerbaijan overall - so they can better learn about the region, understand its specifics, and become more deeply acquainted with the local culture and society. Such academic and cultural exchanges help us become closer and better understand each other.

I believe that one of the best ways to strengthen cooperation in areas like the economy and political collaboration - which we started discussing - is to bring people together. Various exchange programs, so-called people-to-people exchanges, work especially well at a young age. That is when students discover the opportunity to build friendships and better understand their peers and colleagues from other countries.

Moreover, personal communication and direct contacts between people are the best ways to overcome existing stereotypes related to different countries and regions and to lay a solid foundation for sustainable and long-term relations.

- In conclusion, how would you characterize the current state of cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Poland?

Culture is another important area in which Azerbaijan and Poland successfully cooperate. In the nearly four months I have been in Baku, I have been genuinely impressed by the cultural richness of the city and the entire country. It is especially pleasant to see elements of Polish architectural heritage here.

Frankly, I feel proud walking through the streets of Baku and admiring these fantastic, beautiful buildings. The city’s musical life is also impressive - especially jazz…

In June of this year, the Polish Embassy in Baku organized a cultural event to mark the end of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025. Now, the next visit of Polish jazz performers is planned as part of the Baku Jazz Festival. Two quite well-known Polish musicians are expected to participate. If confirmed, it will be a wonderful event.

I am confident that we have huge potential to expand cultural exchange. We would be glad to see more Azerbaijani artists - jazz performers and representatives of other genres - on stages in Poland. At the same time, we strive for broader representation of Polish art in Azerbaijan, in Baku and other cities. I would especially like to emphasize the importance of this area.

– Thank you for the interview!