Speaking after a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Pence said that the two nations were "brought together around our shared values, our shared commitment to freedom and faith and family."
He added that "the alliance and the relationship between the United States and Poland has never been stronger."
'We’re not just allies,' but 'family'
Pence told reporters at a joint news conference with the Polish president that the two countries were not just close NATO allies, but "family."
"Poland and the United States will never be divided because we’re not just allies; we’re rodzina—we’re family," Pence said. "And that’s why I’m so grateful to be here with you today."
Poland 'nearing eligibility' for US Visa Waiver Program
Pence told the news conference that Poland was nearing eligibility for inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.
"I’m pleased to report that Poland is nearing eligibility for our Visa Waiver Program," Pence said. "And as I told you today, as we complete that process, once it is certified, we intend to nominate Poland very soon to the Visa Waiver Program in the United States."
Military ties, energy, 5G discussed
Poland’s Duda told the newsmen that his talks with Pence at the presidential palace in Warsaw focused on bilateral military ties, including the planned expansion of American troop presence in Poland, and energy cooperation, in addition to visas and cooperation in 5G technology.
"I hope that this year we will be able to sign the final agreements on expanding the US presence," Duda said.
While in Warsaw on Monday, Pence also met with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki to sign an agreement aimed at ensuring security for new 5G telecommunications technology.
Filling in for Trump
Pence arrived in the Polish capital the previous day to stand in for US leader Donald Trump, who last week canceled his planned trip to Poland, saying he needed to stay and monitor Hurricane Dorian as it approached the southern state of Florida.
Pence on Sunday delivered a speech in central Warsaw during events to mark the 80th anniversary of the start of World War II.
In his address, he said that “Poland could not be broken” by its wartime oppressors and during the decades of communist rule after the war.
During his previous visit to Warsaw in February, Pence said that Poland was one of America’s most crucial allies. He also hailed the country as "a major player in world affairs.”
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Source: IAR, TVP Info, whitehouse.gov