Argentina–Poland relations

Diplomatic relations between Argentina and Poland, have existed for over a century. Over 500,000 Argentines are of Polish descent making Argentina the second Latin-American country with the largest Polish community abroad (after Brazil).[1]

Argentina-Poland relations
Map indicating locations of Argentina and Poland

Argentina

Poland

History

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Polish immigrants in Argentina; 1890.
 
Argentine President Mauricio Macri receiving the credentials of Polish Ambassador Marek Pernal; 2016.

The first significant arrival of Polish immigrants to Argentina occurred in the late 1800s when Poles fleeing poverty and war arrived to Argentina to start a new beginning with many settling in Misiones Province, in northern Argentina.[1] The first official contact between Argentina and Poland occurred at the end of World War I in 1918 when a newly independent Poland emerged. In 1920, both nations officially established diplomatic relations.[2] Diplomatic relations continued during the German occupation: Argentina continued to recognise the diplomat appointed by the former government, and appointed a representative to the government in exile in London. In 1964, both nations upgraded their diplomatic legations to embassies.[2]

While Poland was under communism and Argentina under dictatorship, relations between both countries were limited. In 1986, Argentina Vice-President Víctor Hipólito Martínez paid a visit to Poland. In October 1990, President Carlos Menem became the first Argentine head of state to visit Poland.[3] In February 1995, Polish President Lech Wałęsa paid an official visit to Argentina.[4]

Bilateral relations

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Throughout the years, both nations have signed several bilateral agreements such as an Agreement on Interchanging Diplomatic Pouches (1931); Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (1974); Agreement on Maritime Fishing Cooperation (1974); Agreement on a joint venture for Export and Marketing of Fisheries and Invertebrate Resources (1974); Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (1979); Agreement on Mining Cooperation (1982); Agreement on Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (1984); Agreement on the Elimination of Visa Requirements on Ordinary, Official and Diplomatic Passports (1990); Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments (1992) and an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation (2003).[2]

Trade

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In 2018, trade between Argentina and Poland totaled US$846 million.[5] Argentina's main exports to Poland include: soybean meal, fish fillets, processed fruits, nuts and wine.[6] Poland's main exports to Argentina include: steel profiles, mining machinery, engines, domestic appliances, wires and TV screens.[7] Argentina is Poland's second largest trading partner in South America.

Resident diplomatic missions

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Polish-Argentines, A Hidden Community". Archived from the original on 2017-12-28. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
  2. ^ a b c "Relaciones entre Polonia y Argentina (in Spanish)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-12-28. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
  3. ^ Menem en Polonia (in Spanish)
  4. ^ Walesa, Menem meet in Buenos Aires
  5. ^ OEC: Poland
  6. ^ Poland’s food trade with South America: filling in the gaps
  7. ^ "Polish Institute of International Affairs: Emerging Latin America". Archived from the original on 2017-12-28. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
  8. ^ Embassy of Argentina in Warsaw
  9. ^ Embassy of Poland in Buenos Aires