President Andrzej Duda, during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday, expressed his desire to ensure that the economic cooperation between Poland and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) remains unaffected by historical upheavals and the current conflicts troubling Europe.
President Duda emphasized that the countries’ bilateral relations have always been based on mutual respect and recognition, and expressed his hope that these relations would remain steadfast indefinitely.
During his official visit to China, which included a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Duda recalled that one of his first foreign visits after assuming office was to China.
“I am beginning the last year of my term, the final year of my second presidential term, and I am pleased that this trip is (now again) taking place. As for me, it is an element of concluding the process of building cooperation between our states,” Duda said.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and China, which President Duda praised as having been very good throughout.
“Regardless of all the events and historical winds that have blown in the world, including political changes in Poland, Polish-Chinese relations have always been based on mutual respect and recognition, which is very important to me. I would like it to always remain so,” said Duda.
The president also highlighted Poland’s strategic geographic position at the crossroads of East and West, underscoring its significance in the face of contemporary global economic challenges. He stressed the importance of ensuring that “the tumultuous historical events and the difficult wartime situations currently occurring in Europe” do not disrupt economic cooperation between Poland and China, including Poland’s participation in the export of Chinese products to Europe and the export of Polish and European products to China.
Premier Li affirmed that despite geographical distances, China and Poland enjoy a friendship that was first established 75 years ago. He noted that the two countries deepened their trust and have enjoyed productive cooperation and good interpersonal relations since then.
In 2016, Poland and China established a strategic partnership. In 2023, trade between the two nations amounted to $42 billion, double the figure from eight years earlier.
“China will follow the strategic guidelines of our president in developing relations with Poland. We will develop our friendship, increase political trust, and strengthen economic cooperation. We will also seek progress in our strategic partnership to bring even more results,” said Premier Li.
Later on Monday, President Duda is scheduled to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
