Poland and Turkey find common understanding

President Lech Kaczynski has started an official visit to Turkey. Today, he has scheduled meetings in Ankara, while on Wednesday the Polish head of state is in Istanbul.
It's a busy schedule for President Kaczynski with meetings with the Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, the Chairman of the National Assembly as well as a lecture at the prestigious Euro-Asian Strategic Research Center and an appearance on TRT television.

The major discussions are to focus on further EU enlargement and energy security. No doubt, the hosts are expecting words of support for their EU membership aspirations. Poland has always been an advocate of an open doors policy, but recent problems with implementing tarrifs policies by Turkey have earned it growing skepticism among many Union countries.

This only adds to the delicate, often unspoken, issue of religiously rooted internal problems. At the same time, it is exactly the geographical location and varied social composition that makes Turkey an ally of strategic importance.

On the eve of the visit, the Polish President's foreign advisor Andrzej Krawczyk reminded that though many EU countries are presently not well disposed towards Turkey, Poland upholds its opinion for Turkish entry. However, minister Krawczyk made it clear this stand does not imply any special treatment status.

'Poland is continuously for Turkish membership, but this cannot negatively influence admittance standards. It's a challenge for Turkey to work towards further modernization and upgrading of these standards.'

Polish Radio's External Service envoy for the presidential visit, Aleksander Kropiwnicki reports the first hours have already shown great understanding between both partners.

'After the meeting with the President of Turkey Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Mr. Kaczynski said that from the very moment of its accession to the European Union Poland has supported the idea of further enlargement. The EU cannot be closed for the next states. That concerns also Turkey. Our position on this matter is based on our friendly attitude to the Turkish nation, but also on our opinion Turkey would be a valuable member of the EU, regarding its economy, territory and military potential.

Both Presidents pointed out that Poland and Turkey are partners in NATO. President Sezer called Poland a trusted ally and friend.

The Presidents also noted that trade exchange between the two countries is quickly growing. Lech Kaczynski expressed the opinion that one can expect a lot of new Polish investment in Turkey in the future.'

At the end of his visit, the Polish President will receive the title of Outstanding European Man of The Year 2006 from 'True', one of the major Turkish news magazines. The prize will be granted to him personally by Prime Minister Recep Erdogan.

Source:By Slawek Szefs, polskieradio.pl