Andrzej Duda and Donald Tusk at a meeting with Joe Biden. Conversations at the White House

President Andrzej Duda and prime minister Donald Tusk met with President of the United States Joe Biden in the White House. The talks began with the official part, during which the media was present. Then the politicians talked without the media.

See our report from the visit of Andrzej Duda and Donald Tusk to the USA >>>

The American leader, turning to Duda and Tusk, said it was an “honor” to welcome them both “on this historic anniversary.” He recalled that “exactly 25 years ago Poland joined NATO.” – Some people may remember that I was heavily involved in this event – he added.

– During this ceremony, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said something like this: “When we stand together, no power on Earth will be more powerful than us. When we stand together, no power on Earth will be more powerful than us.” I believed it then and I believe it now, he emphasized.

Later – said Joe Biden – “Polish and American soldiers served side by side in NATO on the eastern flank, also in Poland.” – We also see our commitment to strengthening collective defense FOR THIS is clear. No ally is currently spending as much as Poland – almost four percent of its GDP on defense – while also buying American defense systems and American aircraft. This is twice as much as NATO's commitment, he emphasized.

– I also want to thank Poland very much for maintaining safety. Also for accepting one million Ukrainian refugees. God will love you for it. It is amazing what you have done, what Poles are doing, he continued.

– At the same time, we are waiting for Congress to provide more money – he added, emphasizing that “Congress must pass this bipartisan legislation.” – We must do it now, before it is too late – he warned.

According to him, “Russia will not stop in Ukraine.” – Putin will go further, putting Poland, Europe, United States facing much greater risks. So thank you very much for being here at this critical moment, he said.

Joe Biden also declared that “America's commitment to Poland is ironclad.” – We always say that an attack on one ally is an attack on all of us. We all have to think the same. I am looking forward to the conversations that will be undertaken here today. Thank you very much for your visit today, added the US president.

Duda recalled that 25 years ago Poland, The czech republic and Hungary “joined the strongest alliance in the world.” – It was the dream of many generations of Poles. It came true then. There is no better place for us to celebrate this special anniversary than the White House. Bold decisions were made right here in the capital of the United States of America. NATO expanded eastward. Poland joined the free world, the West, to which it has always belonged, he said.

– I want to thank the Americans who participated in them for these brave decisions and continuous support. I also want to express my thanks to you personally, Mr. President, because at that time you were one of the leaders of the US Senate's support for Poland's accession to NATO. Thank you on behalf of millions of Poles, he continued.

As the Polish president assessed, “during these 25 years we have shown that we are a reliable ally.” – Our soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Poland, like other countries in the world, knows that there is a price for security. That's why over 4 percent of our GDP is spent on modernizing and maintaining our Armed Forces. This is the highest percentage in the Alliance, he pointed out.

He emphasized that “Russian aggression against Ukraine clearly shows that the United States is and should remain a security leader.” – However, our allies must take more responsibility for the security of the entire Alliance. Therefore, we believe it is essential for all countries to raise their percentage of GDP spending on defense to 3 percent. 2 percent was 10 years ago, while today 3 percent is a response to the aggression carried out by Russia right next to NATO's eastern border, Duda emphasized.

– We believe in America. We believe in it militarily, politically and economically, he emphasized. – I had the opportunity to discuss these topics with you many times. Also when we welcomed you twice in Poland. Last year, when we met in Warsaw, I announced that when Poland holds the presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2025, our basic priority will be to deepen cooperation between the United States and the European Union – he reminded.

As he said, “we are consistently working in this direction in Poland, which is why we are buying the most advanced American weapons. Abrams, F-35, Apache helicopters and HIMARS.”

The president emphasized that “our cooperation with the United States is also in other important areas, such as energy, where we use advanced solutions to build a new nuclear power plant, which we are building together with the United States.” – Tomorrow I am going to visit this type of modern power plant in Georgia – he said.

He also assured that “we attach great importance to American investments in Poland.” – I hope that our visit together with the Prime Minister will deepen bilateral relations. We invite American companies to come to Poland. Today's visit sends an important message that confirms the strategic nature of Polish-American relations. We want to develop them even further – he added.

Tusk thanked Biden and the US “for not forgetting why NATO was established.” – I want to recall the opening words of the Washington Treaty: the parties to this treaty are determined to protect the common heritage of civilization of our citizens, based on the principles of democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law. Thank you, Mr. President, for sticking to these principles, Tusk said to the American leader.

He recalled that 25 years ago, Biden, as a senator, participated in the NATO enlargement process.

Tusk added that Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign was an inspiration for him and “so many Poles.” – Today, on behalf of Poles, I would like to give you one message: our country is now a stable democracy. This is a country for which the security of the entire region is so important – said the head of the Polish government.

– The Pope Pope John Paul II he said that there can be no fair Europe without an independent Poland. Today I can say that there cannot be a safe Europe without a strong Poland. I can also say that there can be no fair Europe without a free and independent Ukraine, Tusk said.

As he said, “We are here with President Duda also to confirm once again that Poland is and will be a solid and lasting pillar of the transatlantic community.” – Regardless of who wins in our country elections in our country – he emphasized.

He also assured that “we take our obligations more seriously than anyone else in Europe and we hope that none of the NATO partners will undermine our most important obligation, which is Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.” – There are still big challenges ahead of us. So let's be determined, Mr. President, and let's always be together, he appealed.

After a short conversation, the leaders talked without cameras.