Strategic Partnership: Poland and Indigenous Aramean Christians in Syria – Security, Stability, Economic Prospects
WCA President Johny Messo met with Polish Consul General Marek Głuszko in Cologne on 13 February 2025 for an insightful discussion. During the meeting, he personally delivered a significant letter to Poland’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Radosław Sikorski, emphasizing Poland’s EU Presidency and the urgent need for stronger cooperation on Syria’s indigenous Aramean Christians.
Read and download the full letter here:
Your Excellency, dear Mr. Sikorski,
On behalf of the World Council of Arameans (Syriacs), we extend our sincere congratulations on Poland’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the leadership of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. We wish you and your nation a successful and impactful tenure in 2025.
Poland is a country with a proud Christian heritage and a deep-rooted commitment to democracy and sovereignty. As a people who have also endured persecution and existential threats, we draw inspiration from Poland’s notable resilience in safeguarding its national identity and Christian values, particularly during Soviet rule. Your successful struggle strengthens our determination to fight for our survival
As the oldest indigenous people of Syria, Iraq, Türkiye, and Lebanon, the Arameans have preserved their Aramaic language, ‘the language of Jesus’, for 3,000 years. We are also recognized as one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. However, our survival is increasingly at risk due to demographic engineering, marginalization, and the silent eradication of the Aramean heritage and civilization.
Poland’s leadership in the EU comes at a time of rising global instability, where migration, security, and economic resilience are critical priorities. We appreciate Poland’s firm stance on migration policies and security at the EU’s external borders. In this context, stabilizing Syria and securing its indigenous population is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity. A stable Syria reduces migration pressures on Europe, curbs security threats, and fosters long-term regional stability. As part of your EU leadership priorities, we see an opportunity to partner with Poland in three key areas:
- Security and Stability in Syria: By engaging in Syria’s stabilization, Poland can help reduce migration pressures on Europe while supporting local communities such as the Arameans, reinforcing its leadership as a pillar of security and democracy within the EU and NATO.
- EU Policy Advocacy for Indigenous Rights: We seek Poland’s active support in advocating for decisive and enforceable EU policies that protect the fundamental rights and cultural heritage of indigenous populations in conflict zones, particularly in Syria.
- Economic and Reconstruction Opportunities: Poland has invaluable experience in post-communist economic transformation and reconstruction. With Syria expected to undergo long-term rebuilding efforts, Polish companies could play a key role in infrastructure and economic development, aligning with both Poland’s and the EU’s strategic economic interests.
We value Poland’s growing diplomatic role in global security and propose a high-level roundtable in Warsaw to explore how your leadership in the EU can contribute to Syria’s stabilization and the protection of its native people. This event would bring together policymakers, security experts, and Aramean representatives to identify practical steps Poland can take within the EU framework.
Furthermore, we would be honored to visit you at Your Excellency’s earliest convenience to discuss this proposal and explore additional opportunities to strengthen our strategic cooperation. We are confident that Poland’s unique history and leadership can play a decisive role in securing the future of the Aramaic language and the Arameans, Syria’s oldest indigenous people.
Dear Mr. Sikorski, we look forward to your kind consideration and the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue under your esteemed leadership, in pursuit of our shared values and priorities.
With our highest regards and best wishes for the success of your tenure,
Johny Messo
President
World Council of Arameans (Syriacs)
Your Excellency, dear Mr. Sikorski,
On behalf of the World Council of Arameans (Syriacs), we extend our sincere congratulations on Poland’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the leadership of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. We wish you and your nation a successful and impactful tenure in 2025.
Poland is a country with a proud Christian heritage and a deep-rooted commitment to democracy and sovereignty. As a people who have also endured persecution and existential threats, we draw inspiration from Poland’s notable resilience in safeguarding its national identity and Christian values, particularly during Soviet rule. Your successful struggle strengthens our determination to fight for our survival
As the oldest indigenous people of Syria, Iraq, Türkiye, and Lebanon, the Arameans have preserved their Aramaic language, ‘the language of Jesus’, for 3,000 years. We are also recognized as one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. However, our survival is increasingly at risk due to demographic engineering, marginalization, and the silent eradication of the Aramean heritage and civilization.
Poland’s leadership in the EU comes at a time of rising global instability, where migration, security, and economic resilience are critical priorities. We appreciate Poland’s firm stance on migration policies and security at the EU’s external borders. In this context, stabilizing Syria and securing its indigenous population is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity. A stable Syria reduces migration pressures on Europe, curbs security threats, and fosters long-term regional stability. As part of your EU leadership priorities, we see an opportunity to partner with Poland in three key areas:
1. Security and Stability in Syria: By engaging in Syria’s stabilization, Poland can help reduce migration pressures on Europe while supporting local communities such as the Arameans, reinforcing its leadership as a pillar of security and democracy within the EU and NATO.
2. EU Policy Advocacy for Indigenous Rights: We seek Poland’s active support in advocating for decisive and enforceable EU policies that protect the fundamental rights and cultural heritage of indigenous populations in conflict zones, particularly in Syria.
3. Economic and Reconstruction Opportunities: Poland has invaluable experience in post-communist economic transformation and reconstruction. With Syria expected to undergo long-term rebuilding efforts, Polish companies could play a key role in infrastructure and economic development, aligning with both Poland’s and the EU’s strategic economic interests.
We value Poland’s growing diplomatic role in global security and propose a high-level roundtable in Warsaw to explore how your leadership in the EU can contribute to Syria’s stabilization and the protection of its native people. This event would bring together policymakers, security experts, and Aramean representatives to identify practical steps Poland can take within the EU framework.
