On October 22, Deputy Chief of Mission B. Bix Aliu hosted a visiting delegation from the Los Angeles World Affairs Council to the Embassy for a discussion on U.S.-Polish relations. The delegation is visiting major cities in Central and Eastern Europe to gain a better understanding of the modern history, politics and cultural changes throughout the region. Joined by Public Affairs Counselor Frank Finver, Political Officer Trina Saha, and Economic Affairs Counselor John Armstrong, the Deputy Chief of Mission briefed the Council on a wide spectrum of issues related to U.S.-Polish relations. He spoke about defense and energy security cooperation, increased bilateral trade and investment, and burgeoning people-to-people ties. He highlighted Ambassador Mosbacher’s successful efforts behind the recent, historic nomination of Poland into America’s Visa Waiver Program, noting it would promote even closer ties between Poland and the United States in the months and years ahead. During a wide-ranging discussion, the Deputy Chief of Mission and Embassy officials also answered the Council’s questions about political relations, economic development, media freedoms, and Holocaust issues. The Embassy would like to thank the Council for its visit and commends the volunteer organization for its longstanding mission to engage and inform the American public on the importance of international relations to America’s future security and prosperity.
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council was founded in 1953 as a non-partisan organization with the aim of familiarizing Americans with foreign affairs and to help Americans better understand political and cultural events around the world. The board and members are drawn from the corporate, civic and cultural leadership of the greater Los Angeles area. Over the years, they have hosted eight U.S. Presidents and more than 250 foreign heads of state and government and a host of foreign ministers, lawmakers, military leaders, corporate and financial executives.
