On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Polish Media Association, a gathering was held with ambassadors of countries in which Polish journalists participated in Press survey programs. Marek Traczyk, president of the SPM, thanked the diplomats for their openness and support for Polish media in popularising topics crucial for the global relations of Poland.
At the office of the Polish Media Association in Warsaw there was a gathering devoted to cooperation with the embassies of the states, which have been supporting journalists participating in abroad survey visits Press survey for years. The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions from Europe, Asia and Africa, with whom members of the Association had the chance to cooperate during the implementation of many journalism projects.
SPM president Marek Traczyk recalled that for a 4th of a century the Association organised dozens of trips and conferences in Poland and abroad, as well as established relations with editorial offices and media institutions in more than 30 countries.
– These meetings not only broaden the cognition of journalists about the world, but besides build bridges between nations. We thank the ambassadors for creating a space of dialog and common knowing with us," stressed Marek Traczyk, president of the SPM, who brings together over 1,300 journalists.
The gathering besides discussed plans for further cooperation, including next year's editions of Press Study, which, as announced by the SPM president, are to cover further countries and topics related to the improvement of sustainable tourism, culture and entrepreneurship.
Representatives of Tunisia, the muslim Republic of Pakistan, Italy and Turkey, among others, spoke on behalf of the invited diplomats, highlighting the importance of partnership relations with Polish media. The gathering ended with a symbolic thanks to all participants of Press survey and the announcement of continuing cooperation in a spirit of openness and common respect.
The gathering with journalists was attended by ambassadors: Raimonds Jansons – Ambassador of Latvia, Rauf Alp Denktas – Ambassador of Turkey, Oyundari Navaan – Yunden – Ambassador of Mongolia, Taoufik Chebbi – Embassy of Tunisia and Mahmoud Khalif – Ambassador of the muslim Republic of Pakistan in Poland, as well as representatives of abroad chambers of commerce and economics.
Statement by Ambassador of the muslim Republic of Pakistan to Poland, Mahmoud Khalif
– There is simply a real tragedy in the Gaza area – thousands of innocent people are killed: women, children, families. Hospitals, schools, colleges are bombed. These are not “war incidents”, it is the systematic demolition of life and hope," said Ambassador Mahmoud Khalif during the gathering in the Association of Polish Media.
– As an global community, we cannot stay indifferent. Silence against crime is co-participation. That is why I appeal to journalists – those with courage and conscience – to be honest about what truly happens in Palestine. Not only about the effects of the bombings, but besides about the causes, about the context, about people who lose their homes, their loved ones, their identity.
The Ambassador recalled that Poland – a country with a painful past of the conflict for independency – peculiarly understands the failure of freedom and dignity. – A nation who has experienced business and erasure from the map knows that the right to life and peace is not a privilege, but a work of the human community. Therefore, we number on the voice of Polish media – an honest voice, independent, free from pressure.
"The fight for peace is our common cause," he stressed. “Every word of fact is worth more than gold present due to the fact that it can save someone’s life. Let journalists be the conscience of the planet – not silent erstwhile houses burn, but calling for justice and peace.
Jolanta Chudak
