Interview: No sea change in Polish foreign policy by new gov't: official

Sunday's Polish parliamentary elections that returned the conservative Law and Justice Party to power has divided international opinion. Some foreign media even predicted a thornier relationship with the EU moving forward, potentially affecting Poland's EU integration and transatlantic ties.

However, Marek Magierowski, public diplomacy expert at the Chancellery of the President of Poland, told Xinhua he does not believe there will be a dramatic shift in Poland's foreign policy after the change of government.

Any change, he said, would be moderate at best.

"The main change is that Poland wants to be treated as an equal partner and its voice to be heard, also in the most influential European capitals," Magierowski said.

"I think we will be trying to stress our interests and our point of view in different areas a little bit more thoughtfully," he stated, adding Poland would make full use of its capabilities as an important member of the European Union.

REFUGEE CRISIS, FUTURE CHALLENGES

Magierowski said Polish authorities may tell their EU partners they understand European solidarity somewhat differently than other member states, referring to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe and quotas imposed by the European Commission.

"I am afraid some decisions and some measures have been imposed on us forcefully. We cannot talk about solidarity if it is forced," he said, adding Poland had better solutions on the table than those currently presented by the EU community.

In this respect, Poland's point of view is more akin to Hungary's, he said.

"What I think Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban did at the very beginning was right. Of course, some mistakes were committed, but in general terms, his policies were much more reasonable that those proposed by many other European leaders," said the expert.

He added Poland wanted to cooperate with all EU member states to find a coherent response for all challenges facing Europe.

"It is not only the refugee crisis, but also the financial crisis which is by no means over yet," the expert said.

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA, GERMANY

Magierowski described Poland's relationship with Russia as very complex. "Everything depends on Russia right now. If Russia changes, our attitude with Russia will change as well," he said.

The government official also confirmed relations with Germany have been strained for different reasons over the last few years.

"Some projects, which have been carried out by the German government and German companies in cooperation with Russia companies, have been a little disturbing for Polish authorities," he said.

However, Poland wants to maintain good relations with Berlin as Germany is the most influential player in the EU, Magierowski added.

CLOSER COOPERATION WITH CHINA

China is of paramount importance for Poland, he said.

Strengthened cooperation with China is a key goal for Polish President Andrzej Duda, who will participate in the Central and Eastern Europe-China summit in Beijing in November. The visit will be among his first international ones after taking office in August this year.

"President Duda realizes political and economical relations with China are crucial for Poland's economy. We know that if we want to expand and if we want to be not only a part of the European's Union economy, but also an independent player on the global stage, we have to develop and improve our economic relations with other countries like China," Magierowski said.

Poland has already joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which Magierowski said, was a wise move by the former government.

He added the Belt and Road initiative was very tempting for some Polish companies aiming to enter the Chinese market.

Poland, Magierowski said, is interested in infrastructure projects, many of which are currently in the pipeline.

"Through such economic concepts, mutual economic relations can improve quite considerably," he added.

Dismissing unfounded fears over China's economy, the expert said: "We know very well the Chinese economy is resilient and I believe that Poland's economic relations with China will improve in the future."

Polish authorities will also aim to forge better relations with Latin American countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. According to the expert, these countries have been neglected over the last few years. Endit