During the “Grand rendez-vous de l’École nationale d’administration (ENA)”, a conference debate was held on April 17, 2026 in the institution’s main auditorium. The theme of the event was “The political and security situation in Central and Eastern Europe” and it was led by Wojciech Zajączkowski, Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Zajączkowski emphasized in his speech that Poland prioritizes peaceful solutions to conflicts in its diplomatic actions, while stressing the need for good faith from partners engaged in dialogue processes. He also mentioned the historical similarities between Poland and some African countries, marked by periods of foreign domination, while noting that his country has never been a colonial power in Africa.
Discussing the relations between Poland and Africa, he stated that they date back to the 1960s, following independence. Regarding Chad, he specified that the first diplomatic relations date back to 1977.
Reflecting on the evolution of Polish foreign policy, the Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that in the 1990s, Poland went through a transition period that limited its external openness. The priorities at that time were geared towards EU accession and NATO integration. Today, with regained stability, Poland shows a renewed willingness to strengthen partnerships beyond the European space.
In this context, he asserted that Poland aims to develop relations with African countries, including Chad, in a spirit of mutually beneficial partnership based on trust, transparency, and the principle of “win-win”, without hidden agendas.
Discussions with participants focused on the impact of cooperation between Chad and Poland, as well as the Polish perspective on global geopolitics.
The “Grand rendez-vous de l’ENA” is an initiative of the institution aimed at enriching the thinking of future elites in training. It serves as a space for exchanges and debates, open to the public, around major contemporary political, economic, and social issues.
