The country’s ambassador to the UN, Krzysztof Szczerski, told reporters that the Polish head of state’s address on September 21 would focus on “the need for international solidarity and for respecting international law, which is a guarantee of world peace."
The 76th session of the UN General Assembly will be restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Szczerski said, with many fringe events either cancelled or moved online, making it "unlikely" that Duda will be able to talk to his US counterpart Joe Biden.
The session’s key themes are international security, combating the pandemic and climate change, Szczerski noted, adding that Biden has invited the Polish president to a virtual summit about fighting the spread of the coronavirus.
Duda is also expected to urge international action and mention Poland’s humanitarian aid during another online event, devoted to the post-pandemic food situation around the globe, according to Szczerski.
Szczerski, a former top aide to Duda, said the Polish president would take an active role in all discussions, “sharing our region’s viewpoint and our concerns, such as what is going on at the eastern frontier of the European Union and NATO.”
While in New York, Duda is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his deputies responsible for peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assistance. He will also hold talks with the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, as well as leaders from Moldova, Ukraine and Romania, Szczerski said.
During his five-day stay in the United States, the Polish president will also talk with businesspeople, discuss Polish-American cooperation and the Three Seas Initiative of 12 EU countries between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas, according to Szczerski.
Together with First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, the Polish head of state is set to hold several meetings with America’s Polish diaspora as well as pay tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
At the UN General Assembly, Duda will be accompanied by Poland’s Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, state news agency PAP reported.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP