Argentina–Poland relations

Argentina-Poland relations

Argentina
Poland

Argentina–Poland relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Argentina and Poland. Over 500,000 Argentines are of Polish descent making Argentina the second Latin-American country with the largest Polish community abroad (after Brazil).[1]

History

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, however, were disrupted when Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. At the end of World War II diplomatic relations between both nations were re-established on 20 June 1946 and both nations opened diplomatic legations in each other's capitals, respectively. 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

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

In 2015, trade between Argentina and Poland totaled $744 million USD.[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

See also

References

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