At invitation of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Minister Sikorski will deliver a speech titled “NATO’s Past, Present and Future: A View From Europe” on 8th September. The speech is a part of the Autumn programme implemented by CCGA and entitled “Europe and the United States: Navigating the Future”.        

        On the same day, Minister Sikorski will participate in the official opening of the renovated Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago. The ceremony will be attended by representatives of the local authorities, American business and academic circles   and Polish communities.  The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago was established in 1920, making it one of the oldest Polish consular posts; the building in which the Consulate is currently housed was purchased by the Polish government in 1974. Erected in 1916, in the style of a Florentine villa, with decorative elements typical of the Venetian Renaissance, it is one of the finest examples of Chicago’s early 20th century architecture. On 4th September 2008, on the recommendation of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, the city authorities awarded it the prestigious Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence. During the ceremony opening the Consulate, Radosław Sikorski will present the Society for Arts, one of the most meritorious organisations in terms of promoting Polish culture, with a Diploma awarded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland for outstanding contributions to the promotion of Poland.        

        During his visit to Chicago, on 9th September, the Minister will meet with representatives of the Polish National Alliance and the Polish American Congress, led by President Frank Spula, on 9th September.

Piotr Paszkowski

MFA Press Spokesman