Poland’s new diplomat sets sights on expanding Kuwait partnership
His Excellency Michał Cholewa, a seasoned diplomat with Middle East experience, expressed his commitment to strengthening the 60-year Polish-Kuwaiti relations and boosting high-level political dialogue, trade, investment, and tourism.
• H. E. Michał Cholewa highlighted that the total trade volume between Poland and Kuwait reached $430 million in 2023, with several Kuwaiti investments in Poland, and stated his goal to increase these figures during his tenure in Kuwait.
By Shouq AlMulla
Special to The Times Kuwait
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuwait hosted a gathering for local media representatives to introduce the new Head of Mission and review the events organized by the mission for 2024.
H.E. Michał Cholewa is the new Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy in Kuwait. A career diplomat with experience in the Middle East, he was recently responsible for Maghreb and Mashreq affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Previously, he served as Senior Adviser for the European Neighborhood Policy, among other roles.
Cholewa expressed his eagerness to strengthen the long-standing Polish-Kuwaiti relations, which have been established for over 60 years. He also mentioned his intention to encourage more frequent high-level political dialogue between Poland and Kuwait, as well as to promote trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.
Cholewa highlighted that “the total volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounted to $430 million in 2023, and there are several Kuwaiti investments in Poland. We will work to increase these figures during my tenure in Kuwait.”
Enhancing trade cooperation
He further explained that “Poland is home to some of the most prominent experts in agriculture and nutrition. This month, the embassy participated as a gold sponsor at the Kuwait International Agriculture and Food Exhibition, which serves as an entry point to enhance trade cooperation with Kuwait and the Gulf region in the agricultural and food sectors. We showcased many Polish companies at this exhibition.”
He continued, “Poland is a food-secure country and one of the largest food producers in Europe, known for its high-quality food products. As a stable trading partner, Poland also supports Kuwait’s strategy to diversify its sources of food and agricultural imports.”
Kuwait’s pioneering role in resolving crises praised
Cholewa praised Kuwait’s pioneering and distinguished role in resolving crises and establishing peace, noting, “My country shares several common values with Kuwait, such as respect for international law. Poland participates in international operations, and our naval forces are stationed in the Kingdom of Bahrain, contributing to regional stability.”
He expressed hope that the signing of the military cooperation agreement between the two countries in September 2023 would open up opportunities to support and enhance bilateral cooperation in military personnel training.
Direct flights between Kuwait and Kraków
He also pointed out, “Thousands of Kuwaiti tourists visit Poland every year. The opening of the direct flight route between Kuwait and Kraków, via Jazeera Airways, has contributed to an increase in tourist numbers. We hope to expand direct flights between our countries to cover more Polish cities.”
Cholewa revealed that “Poland will assume the presidency of the European Union in January 2025, while Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which will contribute to enhancing cooperation and meetings between our two countries.”
Poland’s investment opportunities
Cholewa encouraged Kuwaiti investors to explore various investment opportunities in Poland, explaining that his country is stable, safe, and home to a highly skilled workforce. He highlighted agriculture and food security as key investment areas.
Poland has recently become an important destination for Kuwaitis traveling to Europe. He also noted that Poland will take over the EU presidency in January 2025.
