Pres. Duterte meets former Polish president

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte engages in a discussion with former Poland President Lech Walesa who paid a courtesy call on the President at Malacañan Palace on January 23, 2018. (Photo by Toto Lozano/Presidential Photo)

MANILA — Former Polish president Lech Walesa paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, January 23, in Malacañan.

Walesa, whose visit was arranged by private individuals, arrived in the Philippines for a lecture at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

During their meeting, President Duterte recognized Walesa’s role as a labor leader in his country and eventually as Poland’s president.

Duterte also expressed that he wanted to seek more advice from Walesa. The former Polish leader expressed gratitude to President Duterte for having time with him.

The Philippines and Poland celebrates 45 years of diplomatic relations. Poland opened its chancery in Manila in 1993 but closed it in 1994. The European country once again opened its Embassy in the Philippines last January 4 after sending its Charge d’affaires.

It will officially announce the Embassy’s opening once a location is selected and an ambassador is designated. Walesa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 for his campaign for freedom of organization in Poland.

He served as Poland’s president from 1990 to 1995. Also present during the courtesy call were Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Amelita Aquino.