Poland’s Ambassador Honored By Spain

• PostEagle
• August 2, 2015
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – It was a very pleasant early summer evening here at the expansive Residence of the Spanish Ambassador on June 24, 2015. The intimate gathering was held as per the decree issued by His Royal Highness King Juan Carlos I of the Kingdom of Spain and Principality of Andorra (1975-2014), to invest the most-distinguished Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel La Catolica and Sash upon Ryszard Schnepf – Poland’s present Ambassador to the United States. The Order recognized the outstanding contributions of Ambassador Schnepf that strengthened the bilateral relations between Spain and Poland during 2000-2001 while in Madrid serving as Minister Plenipotentiary/Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland there.

After bestowing the prestigious award upon Ambassador Schnepf, Spain’s Ambassador Ramon Gil-Casares highlighted Schnepf’s many accomplishments in regards to building political and economic relations between Warsaw and Madrid, adding that “It is hard to find an individual who did more to strengthen the relations between our two countries.”

In photo: King of Spain’s Royal Proclamation. One of the highest Spanish state orders – “The Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel La Catolica” – was bestowed upon Poland’s Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Ryszard Schnepf. Pictured above after the investiture ceremony is the Honorable Ramon Gil-Casares – Spain’s Ambassador to the U.S., Mrs. Dorota and Ambassador Ryszard Schnepf, with their children Antonia and Maksymilian.

      Caballero Schnepf expressed his deep gratitude for Spain’s recognition and honors that he received. He noted the strong bonds that tie both countries together, as well as his personal fascination with Spain and its Iberian culture. “Spain and her citizens hold a special place in my heart, said Schnepf, and Madrid  will forever be an exceptional place for me and my family,” and confessing with a smile that “for many years now I have been a loyal fan of (soccer team) Real Madrid.”

The evening ended on a delightful note with much conversation among the attendees, fortified by a traditional Spanish tapas buffet and corresponding libations. It proved to be an affair to remember by everyone present.

Richard P. Poremski
Polish American Journal
Washington, DC Bureau
July 1, 2015