At Poland’s Independence Day reception in Erbil on Thursday, Poland’s Ambassador to Iraq Wojciech Stanisław Bozek underlined that Poland supports a strong and united Kurdistan.

“We recognize the Kurdistan Region’s ongoing political challenges and constructive role in regional stability. This is also why celebrating this day here in Erbil is particularly meaningful,” Ambassador Bozek said.

“Poland and the Kurdistan Region show not only mutual respect and friendship, but also a common understanding that stability, security, and prosperity can only be achieved through cooperation, dialogue, and mutual understanding,” he said.

“We support a strong and united Kurdistan Region that protects its diversity and interests.”

The ambassador underlined that the Polish relationship with Iraq goes further back than people realize.

“There is a historical connection dating back to World War II, when Polish soldiers were stationed in Iraq,” he said.

“Our relations developed further in the years following 2003 through political, economic, military, and educational cooperation.”

He stated that the opening of Poland’s Consulate in Erbil in 2012 “marked an important milestone in bringing our countries and societies closer together.”

“I would like to reconfirm Poland’s interest in further strengthening its relations with the Kurdistan Region through economic and political cooperation, as well as in education, culture, and, last but not least, people-to-people contacts,” he added.

“As you know, I’m coming from Baghdad, but every time I visit Erbil, I also feel at home here.”

Poland’s Consul General Maciej Zajdel added that over the years, Poland has supported humanitarian and development projects in the Kurdistan Region, helping communities affected by conflict and displacement.

“Our academic relations have also created opportunities,” he noted. “Last year, Kurdish students studied at Polish universities, and many of them have returned home with knowledge, professional experience, and friendships that continue to connect our societies.

“More recently, through Polish development assistance, we have supported the preservation and digitization of rare manuscripts and historical books at Salahaddin University in Erbil.”Consul General Zajdel further stated that the Polish military presence in Iraq began as early as 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, continued through the stabilization mission after 2003, and in recent years has taken the form of cooperation within the Global Coalition against ISIS.

“Throughout this time, we’ve been guided by a single goal: supporting peace, reconstruction, and the security of the people of Iraq and Kurdistan. Although our soldiers left Iraq in June this year, their contribution and the friendships they built will not be forgotten.

“Looking ahead, I sincerely hope to see even stronger relations between Poland and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in education, business, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.”

At the event, Kurdistan Regional Government Department of Foreign Relations Head Safin Dizayee stated that Poland’s “fight for liberty and freedom and the unification of the land and the people is inspiring and sets a point of admiration for us as people of Kurdistan.

“We believe that there are ample opportunities to develop these ties into other areas, including cultural heritage, academics, and many other areas,” Dizayee added.

“We have been working together, but the expansion of our bilateral relations can go beyond what we have already gained and achieved. The Kurdistan Region is open for business.

“We would like to encourage our business leaders and entrepreneurs to cooperate and work with their Polish counterparts.”