ROMA (ITALPRESS) – “The relationship between our nations (Italy and Poland, ndr) is based on very deep cultural roots that go back in the centuries. Italy and Poland are the only two nations in the world that are mutually cited in their national anthems. Our peoples are also intimately bound by one of the greatest figures of the twentieth century: John Paul II, a pontiff who came, to say it in his own words, from a distant country and who then felt perfectly Roman and Italian.” President Giorgia Meloni said this in the press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Between Italy and Poland “the deep bond is also reflected in our economic relations that are very intense. The commercial exchange last year has touched a new historical record for the first time exceeding 36 billion euros. Italian exports are growing and Warsaw remains one of Italy’s main target markets.”.
With Poland “we are determined to fight all those internal duties that the European Union has self-imposed and that end up suffocating our businesses and slowing down our competitiveness,” he added.
“I think that, like Italy and Poland, we will once again find ourselves side by side in the difficult negotiations on the new multiannual financial framework of the European Union, i.e. the union budget. We both defend the centrality of agricultural policy and cohesion: we think that they should not be considered alternative to competitiveness because if anything they are preconditions for a healthy competitiveness for the European Union,” he said.
“Italy and Poland are both committed to fostering de-escalation in the Middle East region to contain the burden of the economic consequences of the crisis on our families and businesses. We are also particularly attentive to the needs of our partners in the Gulf. I want to take advantage of the opportunity to renew Italy’s closeness and solidarity to the United Arab Emirates for the unjustifiable attacks suffered by Iran even in the last hours,” he recalled. “In these four years Poland has never failed to support and solidarity with Ukraine. I believe that we must particularly thank Poland for the solidarity shown: we remember that Poland today houses over a million Ukrainian refugees. Their solidarity is a lesson for all.”.
“To support Ukraine is not a simple thing, but it is always a great effort. In the Polish case it was possible to open their homes, even mine, so that the refugees from Ukraine could reside in Poland. It was another lesson of solidarity. For me, Prime Minister Meloni’s position was an example of solidarity. Perhaps not everyone has the perception of the force with which Meloni’s position has been seen in Europe. Thanks to Meloni’s presence, European policy is much better and I also want to thank her,” said Donald Tusk at the joint press conference.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
