The Polish nation has recently celebrated its national holiday – the Day of Independence (11 November 1918). On this occasion the Charge d’affaires of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Uzbekistan Jerzy Stankiewicz spoke of this special day, its role in Poland’s establishment as an independent state, as well as bilateral relations between the countries, UzReport.com reported.

- Polish people celebrate the national holiday of the Day of Independence since 11 November 1918. This day is probably very symbolic for Poland?

- A thousand-year history of the Polish state, which dates back to 966 is very dramatic and rich in landmark events. Located at the heart of Europe, by will of fate our country has always been in between the conflicting forces that strived to conquer its land and people.

Several times did Poland become the object of trades and divisions among the powerful neighbours. Wars have constantly shaken it throughout the history. And only for short periods did the country gain its freedom and independence. That is why, for every Pole the concepts of Homeland, Freedom and Independence have deep meaning, conveyed from generation to generation.

Established in the 16th century the first Rzeczpospolita existed through 1795. Numerous rebellions for the ideals of freedom and independence had been raised by the sons and daughters of the country. The memory of Tadeush Kostiushko, Jozef Poniatowski, Marshall Jozef Pilsudski and thousands of other patriots who fought for their country is deeply revered.

An eminent poet Adam Mickevich foresaw the revival of Poland only after the three Empires that divided it fall. This prophesy came to life in the early 20th century. The results of the First World War and the Russian Revolution allowed Poland to gain its freedom.

The Day of Independence is observed on 11 November, because on this day in 1918 Poland reappeared on the map of Europe as an independent state. This day is the day to honour all the patriots who fought against the tyranny, fought for free and independent Poland. This holiday continues to inspire people today too.

- Poland and Uzbekistan are bound by ancient ties of friendship, economic and cultural relations. Could you please tell about the recent developments in the Polish-Uzbek cooperation, and its future prospects, particularly in the spheres of culture and art.

- Bilateral relations between Poland and Uzbekistan have a strong legal foundation, which is constantly reinforced and improved, particularly through the development of bilateral diplomatic relations established more than 15 years ago.

We are currently at the upsurge of trade and economic turnover, which is constantly rising, primarily, due to the increasing supplies of gas. The Polish exhibition held in Tashkent in October this year has demonstrated that we have new opportunities and areas for cooperation to meet the existing potential in the trade and economic sphere. I think that the development of Polish-Uzbek cooperation has positive prospects, particularly taking into account the key role of Uzbekistan in Central Asian region in all spheres of policy and economy. For the Polish state it is very important to have friends here. We value the care demonstrated by the official structures to our party in view of its participation in several projects. I would like to specifically point out the success of the April’s celebrations in Guzar.

Cooperation is developing steadily in the humanitarian sphere and between the ombudsmen of both countries. In light of this I would like to offer the newly formed Polish Seym to create the Society of Friendship with Uzbekistan. In this sense, particularly important is the productive activity in the national diplomacy of the Polish Cultural Centre in Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan-Poland and Poland-Uzbekistan Friendship Societies assisted by the Council of Friendship Societies and the Cultural-Elucidation Relations of Uzbekistan with foreign countries.

I think that the main aim of my stay here in Uzbekistan is first of all in finding the ways to take the bilateral relations to a quality new level, relying on all the good that has been achieved, but also keeping in mind the future.

A weighty contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation in the economic sphere was made by the Budimex Polish firm, which has been in the reconstruction of old structures, such as the one in which the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of your country is located, and the construction of hotels for many years.

We intend to continue our well-established cooperation in the fields of culture and art with the Forum of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan Foundation, the Arts Academy of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Culture and Sport of Uzbekistan, which constantly organize different sorts of art exhibitions. The cooperation established involves the sharing of experience and mutual trips of artists and scientists.

It would be nice to organize the galleries with the demonstration of the original works of art, but certain difficulties are being experienced with their transportation and delivery. An easier project, in this sense, is the concert of famous Polish musicians that perform serious classical and light music.

My predecessor organized the concert of Polish Christmas carols at the Roman-Catholic Church in Tashkent. The concert was a real success. On the wave of these creative achievements and in response to the requests of the lovers of this traditional folk art, we even decided to produce a compact disk of their music.

- You have recently been appointed to the post in Uzbekistan. Could you please share your impressions of our country and people? Have you been here before?

- Over this relatively short period of time that I have spent in Uzbekistan, I have been lucky to visit Ferghana, Bukhara and Samarkand, where I personally witnessed and experienced the hospitality, friendliness and kind-heartedness of Uzbek people. Wherever I went, regardless of the region of this country, I was always received very cordially.

Being in Uzbekistan, I experience this familiar feeling which I remember from childhood. It is especially pleasing that our nations have similar mentalities and it is always touching. That is why I have the feeling that I am at home. I often experienced these feelings, and they accompanied me throughout my trip across this country, where you always sense this positive attitude towards someone who has come from far abroad.

I have already been to Uzbekistan before. I visited this country back in the summer of 1991. Over the years of independence the country has seen some impressive changes not only in economic development. The outlook of the cities has changed, particularly of the capital, which has become even more beautiful. Many new modern buildings have been erected, and many of them have been built in the traditional national style.

A vivid expression of the inter-confessional and interethnic tolerance typical for Uzbekistan, in my opinion, is the reconstruction of the Roman-Catholic Church. At this time this beautiful cultural structure is a monument of architecture, which has been preserved in an excellent condition.

Anyone who wishes, regardless of the nationality or confession can come to the masses and other events organized there. This Catholic Church, as I heard, is famous among the public and guests of the city, including the members of diplomatic missions, for the concerts of world-known musical and vocal classical works it organizes.

- Could you please tell a little about your professional career.

- I am the graduate of the philological faculty of the Warsaw University. First I worked as a guide at the Museum of Literature, then as an editor at one of the largest publications in Poland, and became a journalist. Until 1990, I was a member of staff of the foreign department of the Rzeczpospolita daily newspaper. From there, I moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, where I was responsible for the issues concerning the relations with the Russian Federation, and later with the whole Union as the chief of the responsible department. Later, in 1994, my professional activity was re-profiled to the NATO affairs, after which I was directed to our Embassy in Moldova, where I have served from 1998 as a de facto Assistant Ambassador. Then, after the promotion to the post of the Councilor I continued my diplomatic activity in Moldova until January 2006. After that I worked as the Head of Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And starting 1 August 2007 I have been working in Uzbekistan as the Charge d’affaires of Poland to this country.

I have a wonderful wife and a daughter. My spouse is an editor in one of the publications, and my daughter enjoys the career of a television reporter engaged in the creative preparation of entertainment programmes.