President Bush Welcomes President of Poland for State Visit
Remarks by President Bush and President Kwasniewski in Arrival Ceremony
The South Lawn
9:10 A.M. EDT
PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, Madam First Lady, members of the
Polish delegation, distinguished guests, on behalf of the American
people, it is my great honor to welcome you to the United States.
(Applause.)
This is the -- only the second state visit of my administration,
and it symbolizes the high importance America places on our friendship
with Poland. This friendship is rooted in our common history and
sustained by our common values.
This generation of Poles has written a story of courage and
determination that has inspired America and has inspired the world.
(Applause.) Out of a past filled with pain and oppression, Poland is
constructing a future defined by greater freedom, good relations with
its neighbors, and increasing influence throughout Europe.
And today, Mr. President, we meet as leaders of two strong, mature
democracies, ready to shape a new era of freedom and security.
Together, Poland and America are standing and fighting side by side in
the war against global terrorism. (Applause.) From military forces
-- from military forces to law enforcement, terrorist financing and
intelligence, Poland's support and solidarity in this great struggle
has been unqualified. And America is deeply grateful. (Applause.)
Our nations are determined to lead the way in NATO's efforts to
develop new capabilities to meet new threats. We're united in our
determination that our children will inherit a world defined not by
fear and chaos, but by tolerance and freedom.
Together, Poland and America are building that freedom on the
continent of Europe. Today, a new Europe is within our grasp, one that
is whole and free, and at peace for the first time in its history.
(Applause.)
In November, the President and I will join other NATO leaders in
Prague to decide on inviting new members into -- into the alliance.
On this issue, Poland and America stand united. We believe in NATO
membership for all European democracies ready to share in NATO's
responsibilities. (Applause.) Our aim is for freedom and security to
span the European continent from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean to
the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.
Together, Poland and America are also building our common
prosperity. The trade and investment that flows between our countries
creates jobs and lifts lives on both continents. We're determined to
bring the benefits of trade and markets to all our citizens.
Today, Poland and America are forging a new strategic relationship,
but the friendship between our people is very old. Nine million
Americans claim Polish descent. Over two centuries ago, when Americans
were fighting for our independence, Poles fought alongside us. In the
century just passed, as Poles reclaimed their independence, America
stood by Poland. (Applause.)
And today, Poland and America stand and fight together for our
common freedom, and for bringing the hope of freedom to all who seek it
in the world.
Mr. President, in June of last year you welcomed Laura and me to
Poland. You showed us a nation of deep faith, a central part of
Europe's soul. And you showed us a nation alive with liberty and
energy and enterprise. Today, Laura and I are honored to welcome you
and the First Lady to an America that is proud to call Poland friend
and ally, and a partner. (Applause.)
Thank you for coming, and welcome. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT KWASNIEWSKI: Mr. President, Ms. Laura Bush, ladies and
gentlemen, I wish to express cordial thanks to President George Walker
Bush for having invited me to pay an official visit to the United
States of America. I have arrived here with readiness and joy you feel
when you come to meet your best friend. The President's cordiality
reconfirms my faith in good future of Polish-American friendship,
lasting over 200 years. Never before have we had so much in common,
and never before has so much resulted from these bonds. Today, Poland
and the United States, despite big geographical distance, are partners
and allies.
Mr. President, First Lady, ladies and gentleman, I wish to note
with pride that for some time we Poles have been bringing good news to
America. Our country has undergone deep internal transformation. We
are a democratic country, politically and economically stable. Soon
Poland will become a member of the European Union. We are a country
that shares its success and experience with others to make the whole
Central, Eastern and Southern Europe the area of close cooperation and
secure development, an enlarged NATO and enhanced partnership with
Russia.
We are impressed by American ideals, fascinated by American
achievements. It is a satisfaction to us that American citizens of
Polish origin have largely contributed to the success of the United
States. I greet all of you here in front of White House. (Applause.)
We are grateful to America, you, Mr. President, and your
predecessors, for good will and help we have been receiving in Poland
for dozen of years -- in all our efforts. Poland is steadfast ally of
the United States. We take over the co-responsibility for European and
global security. On the 11th of September, all of us felt New
Yorkers. (Applause.)
Two months later, on my initiative, we organized in Warsaw a
conference on combating terrorism in which 17 heads of state and
government from our region of Europe participated. We have undertaken
giant efforts to make sure that there is no place in the world for
terrorist madmen. (Applause.)
Poles understand very well that freedom means readiness to defend
values we treasure. Throughout the centuries, we have often fought for
our freedom, and yours also in the American continent. Today our
soldiers serve in numerous peace operations, from the Balkans, through
the Middle East, to Afghanistan. It is our contribution to the defense
of American and Polish future.
Once again, thank you for the invitation, and I wish to assure you,
Mr. President, that Poland as a part of Europe having vital interest in
reinforcing strong transatlantic bonds, shall cooperate with the United
States. The United States and Poland can do much individually, but
together they can achieve much more.
Our conviction and faith that what we are doing is right, we are
taking largely from the example of the United States. In its policy,
we find confirmation that these values are not an empty slogan, but a
living motto: substance of everyday life, and the only axis of good.
(Applause.)
From Poland, a country that is far, but also so close, I'm bringing
best greetings and wishes to the President, to First Lady, to all
Americans, and the whole America. God bless America. (Applause.)