Tusk and Merz announce new chapter in Polish-German relations
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Warsaw on Wednesday to launch a renewed phase of bilateral cooperation focused on infrastructure, security and historical remembrance.
On Wednesday afternoon the leaders met at the Prime Minister’s Office in Warsaw to discuss bilateral cooperation, the current EU and international agendas, as well as matters concerning security and defence.
I announce a new chapter, perhaps the most important in recent decades, in Polish-German relations
Tusk mentioned that the discussion had concerned, among other things, the infrastructure aspirations of both countries, saying that "we must be able to travel much more easily and quickly by train from Warsaw to Berlin and from Berlin to Warsaw." Both sides agreed that establishing high-speed rail connections was a priority that demanded collaborative investment. "Poland is ready," Tusk affirmed.
Merz echoed this commitment, advocating for "rapid rail connections between Szczecin (western Poland - PAP) and Berlin, as well as between Warsaw and Berlin," and added that the development of eastward infrastructure aligned with Germany's new coalition agreement.
He characterised the Polish-German partnership as one with "great potential," adding that "Germany and Poland are two major EU member states, and we will deepen and expand our cooperation in the coming years."
Security and defence were also key topics. Merz pointed to the need for greater European cooperation in defence procurement, saying "we are producing too little. We need common standards and streamlined systems in Europe."
On the issue of World War Two reparations, Merz said: "The legal discussions surrounding potential reparations are closed. However, that does not mean we will not discuss joint projects and initiatives."
He also stressed the importance of accountability. "We Germans inflicted unspeakable suffering on our Polish neighbours," he said. "This sense of guilt gives rise to a great responsibility."
Furthermore, the chancellor announced the upcoming inauguration of a temporary memorial in Berlin dedicated to Polish victims of the German occupation, with a permanent monument to follow. (PAP)
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