Polish and Israeli presidents discuss economy, Ukraine and Middle East - News - National Security Bureau

04.11.2014

Polish and Israeli presidents discuss economy, Ukraine and Middle East

Polish and Israeli Presidents, Bronislaw Komorowski and Reuven Rivlin met in Warsaw to discuss economic cooperation, security issues in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the situation in the Middle East. The president of the State of Israel arrived on a two-day official visit to Poland on Tuesday.

During a joint press conference President Komorowski thanked his guest for making Poland his first foreign destination as new president of Israel. "I take this to confirm a common will to build the best, most friendly and fruitful relations between Poles and Jews, as well as between Poland and the State of Israel," said the Polish president.

Bronislaw Komorowski assured that during the talks the two "found many common topics important from the point of view of strengthening Polish-Israeli relations." The Polish president argued that Poland and Israel will be able to deepen cooperation in many areas, especially in economy and innovation. "This area of cooperation with Israel is extremely attractive for Poland," Komorowski noted.

"I am convinced that Poland, a country of significant economic success and an EU and NATO member, will also be an important and good partner for Israel."

The two also discussed security issues and international affairs, among others in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East. Bronislaw Komorowski stressed "far-reaching community of views, also on security issues and international politics."

"We talked about security issues, changes in the security environment east of Poland in the context of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and conflict. I presented Poland's position and Polish views on this issue," said Komorowski.

He added that President Rivlin in turn presented an important analysis of the security situation in the Middle East, with which Poland agreed to a large extent. "Poland also shares the concern that the question of Israel's security be an element perceived in time by the international community," said the Polish president.

President Rivlin said that he and president Komorowski discussed among others the situation in the Middle East, the need to educate successive generations and the threats carried by hatred and extreme views. "We have common ideals which, unfortunately, are threatened by extreme attitudes. (...) We must act together to build respect and understanding," argued President Rivlin.

President Rivlin invited President Bronislaw Komorowski to pay a visit to Israel in the near future.

The two presidents also attended the signing of an agreement on cooperation in industrial research and development. The agreement allows for even better contacts, it will promote great projects, said Rivlin.

After laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier President Rivlin, together with President Komorowski are  attended the official opening of the permanent exhibition at Warsaw's Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, depicting a 1000-year history of Jews in Poland. The museum is situated in the area where German Nazis established a Jewish ghetto during World War Two.

Later in the day Komorowski and Rivlin will attend a Polish-Israeli innovation forum organised at the Ministry of Economy. In the evening, President Komorowski will give out an official dinner in honour of the Israeli president and his wife.

On Wednesday morning Rivlin will meet PM Ewa Kopacz. He will also meet Polish Sejm (lower house) Speaker Radoslaw Sikorski and Senate Speaker Bogdan Borusewicz. Later on, he will deliver a lecture at Warsaw Technical University.

Source: president.pl; PAP