On 2 December 2016, the conference “Strategic Partnership in Time of Crisis” was held in Ivan Franko National University of Lviv; it was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the recognition of the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine by the Republic of Poland. Bronislaw Komorowski, President of Poland (2010-2015) and Honorary Doctor of Lviv University, Professor Volodymyr Melnyk, the University Rector, and local officials, diplomats, lecturers and students took part in the event.
The University Rector, Professor Volodymyr Melnyk greeted the audience, adding that “the Ukrainian society highly appreciates the role of Poland and its intellectuals in the defence of our national interests, understanding the problems that arise on the way of Ukrainian society to the European Union.”
The Rector noted the importance of cooperation between the Ukrainian and Polish societies, stressing that the experience of the relationship between Ukraine and Poland is “a vivid example of building European civilised relations between states.”
“This year was a time of testing our relations, a period when the traumatic past was trying to determine the possibility of building our neighbourly relations. However, I believe that we have overcome most differences and, united by common Christian values, we will strengthen our good relations on the principles of understanding and respect. Communication, joint projects and good work will enable us to build the successful Polish-Ukrainian European future,” said Volodymyr Melnyk.
The Chairman of Lviv Regional State Administration Oleh Syniutka stressed the symbolism of holding the conference on 2 December, noting that Poland was the first country which formally recognised the independence of Ukraine 25 years ago, on 2 December 1991.
“History shows that together we can effectively confront our enemies. And one formula must be valid for all ages: “There will be no independent Ukraine without independent Poland. And there will be no free Poland without free Ukraine,” said Oleh Syniutka.
The participants of the conference were greeted by the Chairman of Lviv Regional Council Oleksandr Hanushyn and Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi. The local authorities noted significant personal contribution of Bronislaw Komorowski to the development of Ukrainian-Polish relations as well as understanding the priority of mutual neighbourly cooperation between the countries.
The Head of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine in Lviv Viacheslav Voinarovskyi noted the important role of Bronislaw Komorowski in dealing with the problems of Ukraine at the international level and expressed his gratitude for helping our country.
The Consul General of Poland in Lviv Wieslaw Mazur greeted the participants of the conference and stressed that his state was the first to recognise the independence of our country, and today, during the formation of new political culture and transformations experienced by our country, Poland continues to support Ukraine and defend its territorial integrity.
“25 years ago, on this day, our country received the first international recognition as a subject of world politics,” said in his welcoming remarks Markiyan Malskyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Professor, Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomatic Service.
The diplomat said, “It is in the Ukrainian-Polish relations that one can see a striking phenomenon, original concept, demonstrating Europe and the world the character and manner of our relations; it is a strategic partnership during the crisis of the global international system.”
Markiyan Malskyi paid particular attention to the extraordinary personality of President Bronislaw Komorowski and his strong position concerning Ukrainian-Polish relations.
Then, the conference continued its work at the plenary session, during which Bronislaw Komorowski, the President of Poland (2010-2015), Honorary Doctor of Lviv University, made a report entitled “The European dimension of Polish-Ukrainian strategic partnership: achievements, challenges and prospects”.
The participants of the conference also worked in the following sections: “Poland is Ukraine’s European lawyer: a change of context or a turned page” and “Systemic Transformation: Polish experience vs Ukrainian reality.”