The spring 2002 issue of the "Polish Embassy Post" confirms a well - known truth about the intensity of the Polish - American bilateral relations. We began this year with a very important event. Prime Minister Leszek Miller, after only 80 days in office, paid his first visit to the United States and met with President George W. Bush. In mid-December, the new chief of Polish diplomacy Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz visited Washington, DC and spoke with Secretary of State Colin Powell. In January, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Marek Belka discussed in Washington the current state of the Polish economy and the possibilities to deepen cooperation with the United States. The crucial moment, however will come this July when the President of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski pays his first state visit to the US.

Poland and the United States are new allies, but old friends, tested already both in thinking and in action. At the same time, one can observe certain confusion and concerns in transatlantic relations voiced on both sides of the Atlantic. From Poland's perspective there is no doubt that the transatlantic axis must remain at the core of the international order as it was before September 11. This link has become deeply rooted in history, values, interests and common actions. Acting with solidarity, the transatlantic community, without doubt, will be able to reverse the wave of destruction and nihilism, which resulted in the September tragedy. The lack of unity and political determination between Europe and the US in reestablishing cohesion in its full dimension will produce a climate of strategic ambiguity, which could favor forces of instability in the world. It will also make a construction of a whole and free Europe much more difficult. In the nearest future, the effort to decrease transatlantic uncertainty will be the most important task and challenge for European and American allies. Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski recalled recently the obvious truth that there is a need for two pillars in transatlantic cooperation, especially within NATO: “There cannot be an effective NATO without America and there cannot be an effective NATO without Europe.” Poland, fully aware of the risks of the transatlantic rift, will try to do its best to play a role in healing this situation. Because of our complex history we know that the price of uncertainty, when not addressed, may be too high.