Andrzej Duda was speaking while on a trip to the United States, a visit during which he and US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a defence agreement to name locations for more American troops in Poland.
"To have a presence in Poland is in the interest of the United States, its security and its economic interests, but it is also in our interest,” Duda told Polish broadcaster TVP in an interview in New York on Wednesday.
He added: “And we are fortunate enough to see our interests converge and overlap at this point.”
Duda also told the Polish public broadcaster that his country was benefiting from liquefied natural gas it purchased from the United States.
"Yes, they do business by selling us gas … and we buy liquefied gas from them. But we get to use this gas … we find it profitable and a good deal,” he said. “It strengths our security.”
Duda also told TVP that Poland was benefiting from the presence of American troops because it made the country more secure.
It is therefore not surprising, he argued, that Poland is ready to spend money on infrastructure on its soil intended for American troops, including buildings and military installations, especially as this infrastructure will “stay with us," he said.
Asked which partner is benefiting more from the alliance, the president replied: "I think it is worthwhile for both the United States and Poland.”
He elaborated: "It benefits Poland, that’s for sure. I'm absolutely convinced of this, and that is why I’m very happy that American troops are [in Poland], because I have no doubt that this presence strongly strengthens our security."
The United States expects to be able to make Poland part of its Visa Waiver Program “over the next couple of months,” President Donald Trump said on Monday.
Duda in June met with Trump at the White House, an event during which they announced a deal on a stepped-up American military presence in Poland while also sealing a raft of economic agreements.
(gs)
Source: TVP, PAP