Poland’s Mateusz Morawiecki was hosted by France’s Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Strengthening Europe’s defence, supporting Ukraine
Before heading for private talks, the two leaders met reporters at a joint news conference.
The Polish PM told the briefing: “Together with France, we are thinking about strengthening Europe's defence capabilities.”
He added: “Today the war in Ukraine is neither nearing the end nor even at its beginning. Therefore, our response must be patient and balanced, but also decisive.”
Morawiecki also noted that Poland had “largely secured its independence from Russian raw materials” and called on EU partners “to work together to achieve such independence, as well.”
Meanwhile, the French president thanked Poland for welcoming refugees from war-torn Ukraine and for Poland’s “enormous contribution to combating the forest fires that hit France this summer.”
Bilateral relations, EU issues, energy
In the private conversation that followed, Morawiecki and Macron discussed bilateral relations, European Union issues, energy security, defence policy and further support for Ukraine and its citizens, officials said.
Afterwards, the Polish PM told reporters: “President Macron thinks of Europe as the continent of great future. I feel the same way - as a continent rich in new technologies.”
He added: “Long live Poland. Long live France. Long live the sincere Polish-French friendship.”
Meeting with France's business community
Later in the day, Morawiecki met with French businessmen and took part in a conference organised by the association of French employers, MEDEF.
In his speech, Poland’s PM told France’s business community: “If we want freedom and prosperity, we must end our dependence on Russia,” according to officials.
Monday is day 187 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Source: PAP, interia.pl