Poland marks Independence Day in Doha with tributes to Qatar, calls for peace, and cultural celebration

At a reception in Lusail, Poland’s ambassador reflected on 123 years of foreign rule, praised Qatar’s diplomatic efforts, and highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries. Poland’s Independence Day celebrations brought diplomats, dignitaries and members of the Polish community to the Waldorf Astoria Lusail on Tuesday for an evening of music, traditional food and reflections on the country’s history. Hosted by Poland’s Ambassador to Qatar, Tomasz Sadziński, the reception marked Poland’s restoration of independence in 1918, following 123 years of foreign rule. Speaking exclusively to Doha News, the official media partner for the Embassy of Poland in Qatar, Ambassador Sadziński reflected on what the occasion means to the Polish people, particularly during a period of heightened international tensions. “It’s one of these anniversaries where we celebrate a very important moment in our history,” the ambassador said. “It was three foreign powers that ruled Poland throughout this time, where they tried to root out our culture, our language, to diminish our willingness, our expectations towards statehood. But we managed.”“As you know, nowadays in these turbulent times, you need such joyous anniversaries to celebrate because you can unite behind them as a country, as a people, and this is what we’re celebrating today.”The celebrations included a moment of silence for victims of a recent attack in Kraków, Poland, which killed six people and injured several others, including British and Austrian nationals.Polish ambassador highlights growing ties with QatarDuring his address to the Polish community and guests, Ambassador Sadziński paid tribute to Qatar’s Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, crediting his vision with helping Poland reduce its dependence on Russian oil through energy cooperation with Qatar. He also expressed gratitude to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for supporting the expansion of bilateral relations, particularly following his first visit to Poland in 2017. The ambassador highlighted Qatar’s diplomatic role amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and condemned Iranian attacks on the Gulf state. “We applaud the resolve of Qatari mediators who have been relentlessly working to bridge the positions of the parties to the conflict,” the ambassador said while addressing the guests. The remarks reflected Poland’s support for Qatar’s mediation efforts and the importance both countries place on diplomatic engagement during regional crises. Concluding his address to the guests in Arabic, Sadziński expressed his hope that Qatar and Poland would continue standing together, with their friendship and partnership growing stronger in the years ahead.Poland reiterates support for Palestine and UkraineThe ambassador also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing war in Ukraine.Speaking to Doha News, Ambassador Sadziński said both conflicts hold particular significance for Poland, pointing to the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and the international community’s response.He highlighted the contributions of Arab and Palestinian communities living in Poland, noting their role in the country’s cultural and economic life.“They contribute a lot: to our culture, to our economic life, and I’m sure that we would like to see this situation resolved,” the ambassador said to Doha News.“So, we have a long history of working with Palestine, we’ve had Ambassadors and embassies, Palestinian embassies since 1988, so also through diplomatic relationships, we have this bond that has been established over the years.”He also condemned Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and reiterated Poland’s support for a two-state solution.His address also touched on the war in Ukraine and its implications for European and international security.Polish culture celebrated through music and foodThe evening offered guests an opportunity to experience Polish culture through traditional cuisine and live performances.Polish singer Natalia Kapinos, pianist Dawid Nowaczyk and violist Renata Nowaczyk performed a selection of musical pieces.Among the performances was Dziwny jest ten świat [Strange Is This World] by Polish singer-songwriter Czesław Niemen.The song, which reflects on hatred, injustice, and the importance of compassion, brought a moment of reflection to the celebrations, particularly following the tragedy in Kraków.Guests also enjoyed traditional Polish dishes, including pierogi, dumplings filled with ingredients such as mushrooms, cabbage, potatoes, and cheese, sałatka jarzynowa, a Polish vegetable salad, and szarlotka, a traditional apple cake.The evening also highlighted the growing cultural and commercial partnership between Poland and Qatar through traditional Polish cuisine.One of the dishes was bigos, a traditional Polish cabbage-based stew, reflecting the country’s culinary heritage. LuLu Hypermarket is also introducing Polish cabbage products to shoppers in Qatar, highlighting how food is becoming another way to strengthen ties between the two countries.