In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Poland Andrzej Duda, who arrived in Ukraine ahead of the conclusion of his presidential term.
The Head of State noted that Andrzej Duda is a special guest who has stood with Ukraine since the very first moments of the full-scale war.
"I want to thank you once again personally for everything we have achieved together, with you and with Poland. For your support, for our timely and important joint decisions, for every one of your visits. Today is effectively your farewell visit as the sitting President of Poland, but we will always be glad to welcome you to Ukraine as a friend and a very courageous person," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He recalled that from the very start of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, Ukraine and Poland swiftly established a key logistics hub in Rzeszów. Poland provided significant defense support to Ukraine and consistently stood by Ukraine on all international platforms – in the EU, NATO, and in dialogue with other partners.
"It is extremely important for us to preserve this kind of relations, this support, this mutual understanding between our nations. The principle of good neighborliness, the principle of 'For our freedom and yours,' the principle of resolving any issue through respectful dialogue – all of this must be preserved," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
During the meeting, the two presidents discussed the future development of bilateral relations, the security situation in the region and the world, the state of diplomacy, relations and potential decisions at the EU level and in coordination with NATO partners following the summit in The Hague. Also, important Ukrainian-Polish defense cooperation agreements are being implemented over the course of these months.
The President of Poland highlighted the interest of Polish companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine and in expanding their presence in the country. He also emphasized the importance of increasing trade turnover between the two countries.
Andrzej Duda stated that it was an honor to receive the Order of Freedom from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that the award held deep personal significance for him.
"As President of the Republic of Poland, I never had any doubt that standing side by side with Ukraine, represented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was crucial for Poland’s own security," he stressed.
The President of Poland expressed hope that the ties formed in recent years between many Poles and Ukrainians would serve as a foundation for new relations between the two nations.
"And thanks to our strong cooperation, we will be able to resolve all the historical issues that remain so painful between our nations," he added.
Andrzej Duda also thanked the Ukrainian side for their understanding and the decisions that enabled the exhumation of deceased Poles.
