Return to Iran after 12 years: Radosław Sikorski for Iranian daily Shargh
‘In today’s world, no country can prosper if it isolates itself from its neighbours and the world. A quest to preserve full national sovereignty is often understandable – especially when it follows past suffering. But it is out of touch with the realities of the modern era’ – states Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski in his op-ed published in the Iranian daily Shargh. In his article entitled ‘Return to Iran after 12 years’ Radosław Sikorski retraces Polish history of both political and economic success and underlines that ‘one of the keys to this transformation was our decision the become part of the European and Atlantic political and economic sphere’.
The article is dedicated to Polish-Iranian relations as well. ‘Our peoples shared a long history of friendship’ – underlines Radosław Sikorski – ‘this year, we celebrate the 540th anniversary of the first diplomatic exchanges between Poland and Iran.’
In his article top Polish diplomat expresses strong hope for normalization of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and its partners abroad as well. ‘Much remains to be done, and the road ahead may well be long, winding and full of obstacles. But we stand ready to help in this process’ – he assures.
We invite you to read the whole article by Radosław Sikorski.
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Return to Iran after 12 years
I first visited Iran 12 years ago while serving as Poland’s deputy foreign minister. Returning to this beautiful land after all these years brings back not only fond memories, but also a fresh reflection on our strong bilateral ties.
Our peoples shared a long history of friendship. One of the greatest examples of Polish-Iranian amity is the generous hospitality provided by Iran to 120,000 Polish soldiers and civilians freed from Soviet prison camps at the height of World War Two. Arriving in 1942 in the Iranian port of Bandar-e Anzali, the Polish refugees were greeted with compassion and sympathy, for which we remain grateful.
And while our the histories of both our countries consist of many similar moments of hardship and sacrifice, they are also full of acts of resilience.
Indeed, in 2014 Poles celebrate the 25th anniversary of independence after half a century of Soviet domination.
This was preceded by two devastating world wars, a short interlude of independent statehood, and over 100 years of statelessness – a period known as the Partitions, during which Poland was erased from the maps.
So Poland knows well that while history may influence the present day, it doesn’t determine our future.
During the last 25 years we have witnessed an unprecedented leap forward in terms of economic development and defending our national interests. Poland is now both more secure and more prosperous than at any time in the last 500 years.
One of the keys to this transformation was our decision the become part of the European and Atlantic political and economic sphere. This involved a difficult and often painful transition process. To succeed, we needed to overcome distrust and fears well-grounded in the Polish mentality. Before 2004 many Poles – who, like Iranians, cherish their independence and freedom – had feared that joining the EU would mean becoming subordinated yet again.
Now we know how unfounded these fears were – in fact, after joining EU we are better equipped to effectively pursue our policy goals, as well as vastly more prosperous.
In today’s world, no country can prosper if it isolates itself from its neighbours and the world. A quest to preserve full national sovereignty is often understandable – especially when it follows past suffering. But it is out of touch with the realities of the modern era.
Today, self-sufficiency is an illusion. The international community is more interconnected than ever, and it is impossible to remain uninfluenced by world the around us. Choosing to linger on the margins doesn’t change that: instead, it only hurts the ability to affect others and prevents such hermit states from fully unlocking their potential. As both President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif have rightly noticed, constructive engagement with countries in the immediate neighbourhood – and beyond – is the only way to ensure sustainable growth and enhance prospects for the future.
Recent developments testify to Iran’s willingness to constructively engage with the world. We welcome Iran’s involvement in resolving the Syria crisis, and hope that the country will remain fully engaged in its work to ensure the effective implementation of the Geneva accords.
This will, in turn, pave the way towards the normalization of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and its partners abroad.
Much remains to be done, and the road ahead may well be long, winding and full of obstacles. But we stand ready to help in this process. I’m convinced that our own experience can be useful in planning for Iran’s return to full international engagement, and we are willing to share it with our Iranian friends.
Indeed, this is already happening: during my upcoming visit to Iran, I intend to hold intense discussions with my Iranian counterpart, Dr Zarif – whom I first met 12 years ago – as well as with other top Iranian officials. We will focus on how to develop the strong foundation of friendship between our countries and peoples – for the benefit of both our countries, and the global community as a whole.
Furthermore, Poland will soon be sending a trade delegation to Iran, headed by our deputy prime minister and comprising 50 Polish business leaders. The visit will showcase the powerful economic component of Polish-Iranian relations.
It is also worth noting that this year, we celebrate the 540th anniversary of the first diplomatic exchanges between Poland and Iran – a historical achievement that underscores our tradition of openness and tolerance. Let us use this occasion to foster lasting, comprehensive and multifaceted cooperation, in particular in the areas of foreign policy, trade, culture and science.
After all, as regional powerhouses and key international actors, I believe Poland and Iran have a duty to help restore the mutual trust and credibility indispensable in today’s global community.
Author: Radosław Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs
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