Moldovan President begins Poland visit at Katyn Massacre Museum

Historical memory and the lessons of the past marked the start of Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s visit to Poland. Her agenda began at the Katyn Massacre Museum in Warsaw, a space dedicated to commemorating more than 22,000 Polish officers and intellectuals killed by the Soviet regime in 1940.

The head of state was accompanied by Minister of Culture Cristian Jardan, as part of the official delegation of the Republic of Moldova, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

Maia Sandu подчеркed the symbolic and moral weight of the visit to the Katyn Museum, a place devoted to preserving the memory of the more than 22,000 Polish officers and intellectuals murdered by the Soviet regime in 1940.

“These crimes took place as a result of the Ribbentrop–Molotov Pact, whose consequences we also know well in the Republic of Moldova. It shattered destinies, destroyed families, and left deep wounds in the memory of our peoples. Such museums remind us how important it is to know our past. Knowing history helps us separate truth from lies, to understand and cherish freedom. When we speak honestly about tragedies, we build a stronger, more resilient society that knows what it must defend. Our histories and tragedies, those of Moldovans and Poles, are often intertwined. That is why, in the Republic of Moldova, we want to learn from Poland how to preserve and promote memory—not to remain stuck in the past, but to ensure it does not repeat itself,” Maia Sandu wrote on her Facebook page.

In turn, Minister of Culture Cristian Jardan highlighted the essential role of memory culture in Polish society, noting that Poland has managed to turn acknowledgment of its past into a foundation for its democratic development.

“As part of my visit to Poland, as a member of President Maia Sandu’s delegation, I visited the Katyn National Museum, which commemorates the massacre of 22,000 Polish officers and intellectuals by the Soviets. The museum also presents the tragedy of thousands of Poles deported to Siberia after the Soviet Union attacked and occupied part of Poland in September 1939 under an agreement with Nazi Germany. Our postwar history shares many similarities with that of the Poles, and it is our duty not to forget these tragedies in order to build a safe and solid future at home. Poland’s example is a powerful one,” Jardan said.

The visit to the Katyn Museum marks the beginning of President Maia Sandu’s official visit to the Republic of Poland, taking place on January 25–26, at the invitation of President Karol Nawrocki. The official delegation also includes Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatîi. In Warsaw, the Moldovan president is scheduled to meet with the President of Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and the leadership of the Polish Senate and Sejm. Discussions will focus on bilateral cooperation, Moldova’s European path, and regional security.