Romney thanks Poles for their ‘courage to fight for freedom’

Mitt Romney at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, Tuesday: photo - PAP Radek Pietruszka

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Polish government and Polish people for the courage of your men and women in supporting the fight for freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Romney said after talks in Warsaw with Poland’s foreign minister Radek Sikorski.

“I know that it has cost many lives,” he added.

Romney arrived in Gdansk in northern Poland on Monday where he had talks with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and former president and Solidarity leader Lech Walesa.

On Tuesday morning, Romney – who had been in the UK and Israel before coming to Poland on the last leg of the trip abroad - pointed to the “long history of the Polish-US alliance”.

"Our friendship lasts forever and is built on our shared values and freedom," he added.

"Together we will continue to be an example of economic prosperity and political and personal freedom."

In turn, Poland’s foreign minister Radek Sikorski stressed that Warsaw maintains excellent relations with the United States, regardless of which party happens in to be in charge.

Sikorski pointed to the support Republican president Ronald Reagan's gave to the Solidarity movement, and also the help Democrat President Bill Clinton gave to Poland when it applied for membership of NATO.

"Our conversation confirmed that wherever people fight for freedom, Poland and America think alike,” Sikorski said.

Following talks with Minister Sikorski, Romney, accompanied by President of Warsaw Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, the Republican candidate laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Mitt Romney is to meet with Poland’s president, Bronislaw Komorowski later, Tuesday. (pg)

source: PAP