In Anticipation of Direct Flights between Warsaw and Riyadh
On March 26th 2024, the Ambassador of Poland to Saudi Arabia presented his credential letters to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin Salman at the al-Salam Royal Palace in Jeddah. On May 3rd 2024, the Polish Embassy hosted a reception at Diplomatic Quarter to celebrate National Day, commemorating the Polish Constitution, one of the first written pieces of legislation that reflects the ideas of equality, humanity, and justice, symbolizing spiritual and moral renewal after all the hardships Polish people witnessed. The evening also marked special dates in Poland’s modern history, including the 25th anniversary of NATO membership, the 20th anniversary of EU membership, and Flag Day.
On this significant occasion, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the Ambassador of Poland H.E. Robert Rostek and discuss Saudi-Polish diplomatic relations, which will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2025.
Recently you presented your credentials to Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman. Could you please share your experience?
I believe I represent a majority view in the diplomatic circles when I say that the moment of presenting diplomatic credentials is a significant moment during every ambassador’s mission. The ceremony that took place in Jeddah, where the Crown Prince received the credentials on behalf of HRH King Salman, was one that I gladly attended. It was a welcoming and hospitable occasion. HRH Crown Prince Mohammed is a remarkable leader, with a clear vision for the development of the Kingdom.
2025 will mark three decades of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Poland. What are the milestones of the past few years, and where do you see potential growth.
Bilateral relations of Poland with Saudi Arabia extend to almost 100 years. In 1930 Poland recognized the independence of the Kingdom of Hijaz, Nejd and Dependent Territories, establishing diplomatic relations as the 9th state in the world. The annotation concerning the recognition is still available for the visitors of Al-Masmak fortress in Riyadh. In 1932 Poland hosted Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the future King of Saudi Arabia. During the visit, hosted by Marshal Józef Piłsudski and Ignacy Mościcki, the Polish President, several cooperation agreements were signed, including military and civil contracts. President Mościcki awarded Prince Faisal with the “Polonia Restitua” 1st class Order. Hence, despite the official reestablishment of diplomatic relations only in 1995, the Polish-Saudi ties can be traced way back. We are pleased to have such a long-lasting relationship with the Kingdom.
Speaking about modern diplomatic relations, I would like to discuss the economic ties between Poland and Saudi Arabia, which are in a period of significant strengthening. Recently, the Kingdom has become Poland’s biggest trade partner of all Arab countries. In the first 10 months of 2023, the bilateral trade has reached the value of $7.3 billion. In addition, 2023 has seen a number of Polish companies enter the Saudi market. With Comarch and Asseco, leaders in corporate IT solutions, as well as companies in the food industry (Wedel), cosmetics (Inglot, Dr. Irena Eris) and fashion (Reserved, Poca&Poca) already functioning, further increased presence can be expected. In terms of the agri-food sector, there are growing prospects for fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation that enhances Saudi Arabia’s food security.
One of the main goals of Saudi Vision 2030 is an oil-diversified economy. What would you consider as an asset of Saudi Arabia other than oil?
The strategy of economic diversification, epitomised by the Vision 2030, is going to fundamentally transform Saudi Arabia’s economy and its people. Oil is still the commodity that allows the Kingdom to embark on this all-encompassing change. Yet, Saudi Arabia is not all about oil. I see its profound economic and social potential in its young and energetic population.
As the largest country of the Arabian Peninsula, it is poised to become a robust economy with a sizeable domestic market helping to drive consumption up. Further, its vast array of minerals important for the green transition and decarbonisation will make it an important element of the newly forming “green” supply chains. All of the best performing economies are energy intensive, creating a future need for reliable energy producers and suppliers, such as Saudi Arabia, in a decarbonising world. Last but not least, it is hard not to mention the significance of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for all Muslims in the world.
Please discuss the Poland-Saudi Arabia Air Transport Agreement, signed in August 2023.
We see a mutual understanding with the Saudi government representatives about the development of our relationship – economically, socially and politically. One of the hallmarks of this cooperation has been the establishment of the direct flight route between Warsaw and Riyadh. The route will commence on June 4th 2024.
We highly appreciate the fruitful partnership on this matter with the Saudi officials, most notably, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Head of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), and Saleh Al Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Aviation. Direct flights between our respective capitals will be the foundation of deeper ties and closer relations on all related fronts. It is in line with the rising popularity of tourist destinations in both our countries and the increasing presence of Polish companies active in Saudi Arabia.
What makes Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for Polish travellers and vice versa? What will Saudis discover in Poland?
Saudi Arabia has a rapidly growing tourism industry. The investments made to historical sites in Al-Ula and Diriyah, as well as into newer ones such as the Sindalah and Farasan islands, profoundly increase the Kingdom’s appeal to international tourists. In line with the Saudi goal to attract more than 70 million international tourists by 2030, the Kingdom has heavily invested into developing transport infrastructure to accommodate the expected increase in the volume of people coming to see it. Riyadh Air, whose first flight will take place in 2025, and the planned new King Salman Airport in Riyadh, will improve Saudi Arabia’s connectivity and make it easier to see and visit its historical and modern tourist sites.
Saudi citizens can expect a warm welcome when coming to visit Poland. In both of our countries we can relate to the booming economies and transformations needed to excel in the future. Polish capital, Warsaw, has been the centrepiece of Polish economic growth – a city of historical sites and significance (the King’s Castle and rebuilt Old Town following the destruction during WWII) combined with modernity, technology and forward-looking citizens. Saudi tourists will find their needs well accommodated – either by the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea and its main cities of Gdańsk and Gdynia, our mountainous region of the Tatry mountains or the picturesque countryside where one can find solace and peace to his or her soul.
