WELCOME TO POZNAŃ

A visit like no other

Wielkopolska is the third region in Poland, which was visited by a group of foreign diplomats accredited in Poland. The idea of the three-day visit of ambassadors came from Janusz Niesyto, chief of diplomatic protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The organisers of the event focused above all on the promo- tion of the region, not forgetting, however, about entertainment. The itinerary was thoroughly planned so as to combine official meetings with attractions of the Wielkopolska Province. The ambassadors were greeted by the Provincial Officer, the Marshal and the Vice President of Poznań. The welcoming ceremony took place in the Poznań seat of the World Trade Centre. Then the diplomats paid a visit to places of historical interest in Poznań and had lunch in the Kórnik Castle.

As the visit unfolded the ambassadors saw the sur- roundings of Poznań. The itinerary featured Gniezno, the first centre of Christianity in Poland, the Museum and Archives of the Archdiocese and the Museum of Hunting in Uzarzewo. One of the highlights of the visit was the planting of a tree to memorise this unusual event. The oak was hailed "Ambassadors' Tree". Afterwards, the guests visited Lednica where they were treated to some traditional Slav food.

On the last day of their stay the diplomats visited the Malta boat race course and went on a boat trip on "Anna Maria". The tour culminated in a visit to a horse stud in Iwno and a formal dinner in the palace in Czerniejewo.

The visit was held in a very friendly atmosphere. The ambassadors emphasised many a time that an event of this kind allows people to get to know one another better. The guests left Poznań satisfied taking with them a wealth of commemorative photographs and, hopefully, of good memories of Wielkopolska.