“Around 100 days after the start of my mission as an ambassador, I came to meet you, the future leaders of the country, at the University of Warsaw. Since then, two years have passed and I am honoured to stand in front of you to talk about Polish-American relations,” Mark F. Brzezinski, the US Ambassador to Poland, said during his lecture at the UW.

On 20th February, following an invitation of Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector, Ambassador Mark F. Brzezinski delivered a lecture at the University of Warsaw. The event took place in the University Old Library.

“It is a great pleasure to host the Ambassador for the second time at the University of Warsaw. In the same auditorium a few years ago, we met Prof. Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State – an outstanding figure who contributed enormously to our presence in NATO. She was a disciple of your father, Prof. Zbigniew Brzezinski,” Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector, said in welcoming the Ambassador.

Around 100 days after the start of my mission as an ambassador, I came to visit you, the future leaders of the country, at the University of Warsaw. Since then, two years have passed and I am honoured to stand in front of you to talk about Polish-American relations. Serving as the US Ambassador to Poland means a great privilege for me. I am deeply grateful for every minute I have been in office. I am proud of what we have achieved together and of what I observe in Poland. I admire the heart and spiritual values of the Polish people. It is my duty to say three times: thank you on behalf of my President Joe Biden. For what has happened here; for what is so unique. The whole world admires the ability of the Polish people to mobilise quickly and decisively in the face of brutal Russian aggression. You set an example for the entire region, to our allies and partners, and to people and nations around the world who value freedom and defend democracy.

 

Mark F. Brzezinski

The Ambassador’s speech at the University of Warsaw was the first given by him in Polish. Addressing the academic community, he emphasised the importance of helping Ukraine and the civic attitude of Poles, and spoke about the value of democracy and the issue of security in the context of presence in the North Atlantic Alliance.

During the second part of the event, a discussion was held, moderated by Robert Grey, the UW Chancellor. The Ambassador responded to the questions from the audience regarding the war in Ukraine, security policy, political situation in the United States, political career and work in diplomacy.

Freedom and democracy are values that are not guaranteed but are worth fighting for. They bring stability, security and the promise of a prosperous future. Over the past few years, we have been reminded of the contribution and commitment of this very important alliance that exists to protect these values that we hold dear. It is NATO. Today it is difficult to imagine Poland without NATO or NATO without Poland, the Ambassador said, adding: The future is in your hands. I believe that the best is yet to come.

“I believe that today’s debate will allow us to better understand the challenges we face and to take action that will contribute to building a stronger, more stable and secure future for our societies,” Robert Grey, the UW Chancellor, said.