Poland’s Mateusz Morawiecki and the Czech Republic’s Petr Pavel held talks in the Polish capital on “bilateral and regional cooperation,” as well as on “security issues, including Russia's attack on Ukraine,” according to officials.
Ahead of the meeting, the Polish prime minister told reporters that the two countries were enjoying "what may well be the best time in the 1000-year history of Polish-Czech relations."
Poles, Czechs share 'common prospects, challenges’
He said both countries shared "common prospects and common challenges, including those related to the war in Ukraine,” public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Morawiecki stated: “I am glad that when it comes to the European Union and NATO, Poland and the Czech Republic are always mentioned in the same breath.”
“Together we are stronger,” he stressed.
The Polish prime minister also said he hoped the regional Visegrad Group (V4) of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary “will be revived.”
He said the V4 platform provided opportunities “to meet our friends and be stronger in the future.”
Poland, Czech Republic together 'oppose Russian imperialism’
After his talks with Pavel, Morawiecki took to social media, saying in a tweet: “We had a great meeting with President Pavel. It was good and important both for strengthening Polish-Czech relations and for developing security in the region.”
The Polish prime minister added: “Together we look to the future and oppose Russian imperialism.”
Joining forces for Ukraine
Meanwhile, Pavel told reporters he was happy to be able to visit Poland shortly after being sworn in as the new Czech head of state.
He said: “I am pleased that together we can discuss issues that are of importance to our region.”
He added that these issues included “support for Ukraine in its war effort against Russian aggression" and "the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.”
Pavel told the media: “I am convinced that our countries should play an important role in restoring Ukraine to the map of European democracies.”
He added that Poland and the Czech Republic should join forces to support the process of Ukraine’s accession to the EU, and later also to NATO.
The Czech president also highlighted "the potential to develop critical and energy infrastructure in the region,” to take Central and Eastern Europe “to a higher level, in line with the standards of Western Europe.”
Two-day visit to Poland
Friday was the second and final day of Pavel’s visit to Poland.
On Thursday, the Czech head of state met with Polish President Andrzej Duda. The two politicians discussed further support for Ukraine, economic cooperation, and the development of road, rail and energy infrastructure, according to officials.
Pavel also held talks with Polish lower-house Speaker Elżbieta Witek and several other officials, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Friday was day 387 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, tvp.info