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Why did the Polish and Swedish PMs take a boat ride? Embassy's comment

29.11.2024 12:40
Sweden's embassy in Warsaw has explained why Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson took Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on a short rowing boat trip during their recent meeting.
Polands PM Donald Tusk (left) during a cruise, invited by the current Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson (right). Kristerssons dog, named Winston, was also present on board.
Poland's PM Donald Tusk (left) during a cruise, invited by the current Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson (right). Kristersson's dog, named Winston, was also present on board.X/@donaldtusk

Photos of the two leaders on the boat gained popularity on social media, with Kristersson's dog, a Welsh springer spaniel named Winston, also aboard.

"Thank you for the invitation. You made us all feel at home," Donald Tusk wrote in Polish on his X profile, sharing a photo from the boat.

The event took place on the same day that Poland and Sweden formalized their strategic partnership to strengthen Baltic security.

The Swedish Embassy in Warsaw explained that it is a tradition for the Swedish Prime Minister to take high-ranking guests - such as presidents and prime ministers - on a rowing boat trip around the Harpsund residence, located about 100 km southwest of Stockholm.

According to Swedish diplomats, the boat ride provides the host and guests with an opportunity for a private, personal conversation.

It was noted that Polish Prime Minister Tusk is the first official guest that Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has taken on this ride.

Previous passengers of the famous "Harpsundsekan" boat include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski.

As part of an informal custom, the Swedish politician typically rows the boat during these short trips, with the invited guest onboard enjoying the experience.

Source: X/@AmbSzweWarszawa

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