MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the opening of the Philippine Consulate in Szczecin. This is the Philippines’ first official presence in Poland’s northwestern and mid-northern regions since diplomatic relations were established on Sept. 22, 1973.
Philippine Ambassador to Poland Leah Basinang-Ruiz led the historic opening ceremony at the Business Club Szczecin on Dec. 20, 2024. Szczecin is the capital and largest city of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and is approximately 566 kilometers from Warsaw.
In her speech, Ambassador Basinang-Ruiz highlighted that the opening of the Philippine Consulate in Szczecin marked another milestone in the two countries’ continuing and active mutual efforts to intensify political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
She congratulated Philippine Honorary Consul Mr. Zbigniew Jagniątkowski on his appointment. She welcomed him as a member of the Philippine Embassy Team in Poland that, together, would work towards pursuing trade and investment linkages and opportunities for cooperation in the maritime industry, education, and training, among others, in this dynamic region of Poland.
After her speech, Ambassador Basinang-Ruiz presented Honorary Consul Jagniątkowski with his letter of appointment, consular commission, and exequatur. Then, he delivered his speech outlining his objectives and proposed activities to promote Philippines-Poland relations in the areas under his jurisdiction: the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, the Kuyavia-Pomeranian Voivodeship, and the Lubusz Voivodeship.
Ambassador Basinang-Ruiz also expressed her deep appreciation to Adam Rudawski, Voivode of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, who graced the occasion and spoke to congratulate the newest addition to the Consular Corps in Szczecin, and to Ms. Anna Szlesińska, who represented the Mayor of Szczecin, Piotr Krzystek, and delivered his message of welcome and support. Also in attendance to convey their felicitations were the members of the Consular Corps in Szczecin and representatives from the business community and private sector.
The new Philippine Consulate is located at Moniuszki 5/1, 71-430 Szczecin, and operates from Monday to Friday (except on public holidays) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
