Both nations are members of the Council of Europe, European Union, OECD and OSCE.
History
One of the first known contacts between Ireland and Poland took place in the late 17th century when Irishman Bernard Connor was appointed physician at the court of Polish King John III Sobieski. In 1694, Connor wrote a book titled History of Poland in the English language.Address by the President at the State Dinner in Honor of H.E. President Kwasniewski In 1922, Ireland obtained its independence from the United Kingdom. Poland was among the first group of states to establish diplomatic relations with the independent Irish State, sending a Consul-General in 1929.
Official diplomatic relations between Ireland and Poland were established in 1976. During the Cold War, relations between both nations were limited. Ireland supported the Polish Solidarity movement. In 1981, the Irish Polish Society sent 20 containers of medicines, powdered milk, baby food and clothes to Poland, valued at more than £250,000.Irish Solidarity with Poland After the fall of communism in Poland, relations between both nations strengthened. In 1990, Ireland opened its embassy in Warsaw and in 1991, Poland opened its embassy in Dublin.The Embassy of Ireland's HistoryPolitical cooperation In 1997, Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski paid an official visit to Ireland. In 2003 Irish President Mary McAleese paid a visit to Poland.Remarks by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, at the Reception for the Irish Community In 2004, Poland joined the European Union and Ireland immediately opened its borders and labor market to Polish workers.Here to stay? Ireland's migrants prove accession proof
Although Ireland is not a member of NATO, Irish forces have fought alongside Polish forces in the War in Afghanistan and in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and with EUFOR (Chad).
High-level visits
Presidential and Prime Ministerial (Taoiseach) visits from Ireland to PolandTaoiseach meets Polish Prime Minister TuskTaoiseach Enda Kenny visits PolandPresident Higgins flies budget airline Ryanair to the Euros as trouble erupts in Poznan
President Mary McAleese (2003) Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (2005, 2008) President Michael D. Higgins (2012) Taoiseach Enda Kenny (2017)
Prime Ministerial and Presidential visits from Poland to IrelandThe President of Poland came to Ireland
President Aleksander Kwaśniewski (1997) President Lech Kaczyński (2007)
Agreements Throughout the years, both nations have signed several bilateral agreements such as an Agreement on the development of economic, industrial, scientific and technological cooperation (1977); Agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income (1995) and an Accession Treaty (2003).Bilateral relations
Transport There are direct flights between Ireland and Poland with Ryanair. There are over 60 flights per week between both nations.
Diaspora Ireland is home to a Polish community totaling approximately 100,000 people. The Polish language is the most spoken foreign language in Ireland.Ireland-Poland Relations
Trade In 2018, trade between Ireland and Poland totaled US$2.7 billion.OEC: PolandTaoiseach highlights importance of Irish innovation during official visit to Poland Irish exports to Poland include: prepared food, dairy products, beef and drinks (mainly alcohol such as Irish whiskey).Bord Bia's new Warsaw office gateway to 11 Central European Markets Polish exports to Ireland include: ale of grain, poultry meat and beef, cakes, meat products, furs, computers, furniture, vans, juices, dairy products, confectionery and glassware. More than fifty Irish companies have factories or development facilities in Poland in sectors such as ICT, print and packaging, construction and client services. Poland is Ireland's 12th-largest exports market. International organizations Ireland joined the EU in 1973. Poland joined the EU in 2004. While Poland became a member of NATO in 1999, Ireland has never been a member of NATO. Resident diplomatic missions Ireland has an embassy in Warsaw.Embassy of Ireland in Warsaw Poland has an embassy in Dublin.Embassy of Poland in Dublin
See also Foreign relations of Ireland Foreign relations of Poland Ireland-NATO relations NATO-EU relations Polish minority in the Republic of Ireland
References