Andrzej Duda made the statement at a ceremony to mark the centenary of the Polish Naval Academy (AMW) in the northern port city of Gdynia on Friday, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
During the event, the president decorated sailors and academy staff with state medals for distinguished service to the nation, officials said.
'Possibilities for pursuing excellence'
In a speech to the gathering, Duda said: “I am delighted at this anniversary, which marks another chapter in the development of the academy, further educational possibilities, further possibilities for pursuing excellence, further possibilities for conducting research.”
The president added that the Polish Naval Academy "has so far produced more than 5,000 officers and many civilian professionals."
He said: “I would like young Poles - not only from the Pomeranian region here, but also from various parts of our country - to be able to fulfil their dreams of sailing the seas, of getting to know the world, and above all of serving the security of Poland.”
Duda also said that the Polish Navy was becoming stronger as part of efforts to expand the country's armed forces in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, state news agency PAP reported.
New frigates, minesweepers for Polish navy: defence minister
His words were echoed by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, who noted that the Polish government this year placed orders for three new frigates and as many minesweepers for the country’s navy in an effort to boost its defence capabilities in the wake of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Błaszczak stressed the "important role of the Polish Naval Academy," saying that “for Poland to be secure, for the Navy to stand guard over the security of our homeland, we need well-raised, well-trained, well-prepared seamen, and above all officers."
Friday was day 240 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, prezydent.pl