LOBBYING UKRAINE’S INTERESTS IN THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF ALEKSANDER KWASNIEWSKI

Abstract

The implementation of the principles of Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation devised by emigrant circles in the practical plane of interstate relations is perhaps one of the most important stages of the reconciliation process itself. Politicians, statesmen and governments have been playing a key role in this. Much of the credit for the Polish-Ukrainian rapprochement goes to the Polish politician, journalist and public figure Aleksander Kwasniewski. The concept of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation in A. Kwasniewski’s political thought has included several elements: advocating the crucial importance of the Warsaw-Kyiv axis for the security of the whole region of East and Central Europe, resolving historical disputes, liberalizing policies towards national minorities, achieving reconciliation, and lobbying for Ukraine’s European integration and economic aspirations.The normalization of Polish-Ukrainian relations, the institutionalization of bilateral reconciliation and the advocacy of Ukraine’s interests in the international arena have become important areas of Alexander Kwasniewski’s activities. During his two presidential terms, he initiated a number of bilateral projects in the political and economic spheres. A. Kwasniewski took part in resolving the 2004 internal Ukrainian crisis, and currently serves as an adviser to Ukrainian political institutions and an expert in bilateral cooperation. He has been repeatedly recognized as the best lobbyist for Ukraine in the international arena. In the context of Polish- Ukrainian cooperation, A. Kwasniewski’s presidency stands out among the presidencies of other heads of state of the Third Rzeczpospolita. During his term, a new Constitution was adopted, and Poland joined the EU and NATO. The initiatives launched by A. Kwasniewski: inviting Ukraine to join the group of Central European states, supporting reforms and democratization, lobbying for NATO and EU membership, the declaration of reconciliation, the construction of the Odesa-Gdansk oil pipeline, the annual economic forum in Rzeszow, and the creation of a Polish-Ukrainian military unit, have lost none of their relevance in the current situation.