official texts and speeches 2007 

Ambassador Ashe on U.S.-Polish Relations at Newsweek Polska Event 

15 May 2007 

Ambassador Ashe delivers opening remarks at “Poland–USA: What’s it really like?” organized by Newsweek Polska

U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe, presented opening remarks at a panel seminar entitled “Poland–USA: What’s it Really Like?” organized by Newsweek Polska magazine in cooperation with U.S. Embassy Warsaw on May 14 at the Hilton Hotel in Warsaw.  “Relations between the U.S. and Poland are really good on a number of levels ranging from business and investment to strategic interests to the long-standing, historic connections that have tied our two countries together for more than two centuries,” said Ambassador Ashe.  

U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe
Opening Remarks for Panel Seminar “Poland–USA: What’s it really like?” organized by Newsweek Polska
May 14, 2007
Warsaw 

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to introduce today’s discussion sponsored by Newsweek Polska entitled: “Poland-USA: What’s it Really Like?” 

My short answer to that question is that it’s really, really good – on a number of levels ranging from business and investment to strategic interests to the long-standing, historic connections that have tied our two countries together for more than two centuries. 

The U.S. and Poland relationship dates back more than 230 years, from a common history beginning with the young Polish patriots who played pivotal roles in the American Revolution.  Throughout our history, the United States and Poland have shown a shared love and commitment to freedom and democracy, and the recognition that these are principles worth defending.  The United States is proud to consider Poland a strategic partner and one of our closest allies. 

The economic aspect of the Polish-American friendship has never been stronger.  Our two-way trade reached $4.1 billion last year; numerous U.S. companies -- Dell Computer, Sikorsky Helicopters, Goodyear Tire, to name a few -- continue to choose Poland as one of their preferred EU destinations for new investment. U.S. firms now provide employment to more than 120,000 Polish citizens, and that number is rising daily.  

The United States and Poland have developed and maintain a vital and strategic defense partnership.  Our Armed Forces have cooperated to enhance security and economic prosperity in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.  The Polish Air Force has begun acquiring 48 of the most advanced fighter jets in Europe – F-16s.  Our joint efforts will shape the development of Poland’s Air Force for decades to come. 

More recently, the United States presented a proposal to construct a missile defense interceptor site in Poland, together with a radar facility in the Czech Republic. Two sets of negotiations begin this week and next in Poland on legal and political aspects of an overall accord. I share the confidence of the Polish Government that the negotiations will reach a successful conclusion. Such an agreement would strengthen our strategic partnership for years to come, deepen our already strong defense and security ties, and reinforce Poland’s -- and Europe’s -- national security, while fully respecting Polish sovereignty.  

Finally, the personal and cultural ties linking our societies are very strong.  Some three million Poles have immigrated to the United States since 1860, and at least ten million Americans today claim Polish ancestry.  The Embassy sponsors a robust program of cultural diplomacy and exchange programs with Poland. We are increasing the number of Fulbright scholarships and other U.S.-Government sponsored academic and cultural exchange programs and we encourage more citizen-to-citizen private exchanges in both directions: for Poles to visit and study in the United States, and for Americans to come to Poland.  Exchanges like these, and the individuals who participate in them, lie at the very heart of the exceptionally close relationship between Poland the U.S.  

Let me conclude by reaffirming my belief that the long and vibrant Polish-American partnership is healthy and full of promise for the future.  I look forward with confidence to the preservation of our strong relationship for many years to come.   And I look forward now to a frank and productive exchange of views by our panelists today on “Poland-USA: What’s it Really Like?”  

Thank you.