New opportunities are opening before our foreign policy. They are connected, on the one hand, with our accession to the European Union, and on the other, with our close relations with the United States. At the same time we face new strategic choices. We must answer several fundamental questions: what is our place and role in the changing Europe and what would we like them to be? What should the transatlantic relations in the context of global threats look like? What are the tasks of NATO? What should be the relationship between NATO and the European Union at present and in the near future? There are even more similar questions.

The active transcending of our political activity beyond Europe, as reflected by our involvement in Iraq, lends a new dimension to our policy and forces us to adopt a new perspective when looking at the issues of global security. (...)

April 16, 2003 - the day of signing of the Accession Treaty - was the most important date last year in European politics, a date that will have a permanent place in Polish history textbooks. The successful outcome of the June accession referendum has confirmed that we were right in our choice. When preparing for the assumption of our membership obligations Poland actively joined in the debate on the future shape of Europe. (…)

We transparently presented our priorities. They concerned: the acknowledgement of Christian traditions in the preamble of the constitution, a group model of presidency, exclusion of defense solutions that could weaken the role of NATO, the reflection of the full representation of member states in the composition of the Commission and the retention of the system of vote-weighting in the European Council adopted in the Treaty of Nice. We consistently defended our position. Thanks to a constructive dialogue with our partners it was possible to reach common position on numerous issues. We failed to reach agreement among others on the issues of the vote-weighting system in the European Union Council and the preamble.

I would like to clearly reiterate here, that when we presented our position on the voting model in the Union, we were not motivated by narrow, particular interests.

We believe that the European Union can and should be based on the principles of coherence and solidarity in its activities. This will allow us to take into account the interests of all states, regardless of their demographic or economic potential. We are confident that the ongoing process of reflection in European capitals will facilitate reaching compromise that reflects all views. Poland wants the Union to be a strong, efficient and effective structure. In order to achieve this, it needs decision-making procedures encouraging compromise, instead of forcing decisions.

A certain dose of idealism is also needed, without which no great international project has even been completed. We need open and honest talks. Poland is ready to participate in such talks. (…)

Seeking the common good will be the main principle of the Polish policy in the Union. Our national interest will always be the departure point to define the Polish position. We will seek to reconcile it with the European interest. There are no fundamental contradictions between the Polish national interest and the European interest. However, there are and there will be divergent positions of member states resulting from different definitions of their national interests and constraints due to budget capabilities. We realize that greater effectiveness and efficiency of the Union mechanisms requires deeper integration. We are and will be its proponents.

Poland treats very seriously the discussion on the future of Europe. We are aware of our rights and the responsibility that we have been entrusted with. We listen attentively to the voices of our partners, but at the same time we are capable of presenting our own position and defending our views like other states of the Union. This might be the reason why we are not an easy partner in the Union. However, we will certainly be an honest and responsible partner. We will be ourselves. (…)

Poland intends to become actively involved in shaping the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. It is our goal to enhance the identity of the Union as a key international player with a global dimension. We view the common policy in terms of opportunity, rather than constraint. (...)

Our primary objective in the framework of the Union's common foreign policy will consist in strengthening and invigorating the EU cooperation with its neighbors, in particular the Eastern ones, through the establishment of the Eastern Dimension of the EU policy. (…)

Our overal objective as concerns our Eastern neighbors remains unchanged - supporting democratic and free-market reforms, building the rule of law, strengthening independence, rapprochement and integration with Western structures.

We welcome the development of various forms of cooperation of the European Union and NATO with Russia. We are confident that Russia will be persuaded as to the benefits of EU enlargement, also for itself. One of these benefits will automatically concern the extension of the provisions of the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and Russia to the new member states. It is very important for Poland to ensure that our businesses enjoy the same opportunities that the Russian market offers to their EU counterparts. (...)

Poland was and will be a spokesman for the integration of Ukraine with NATO and the European Union. It is obvious that consolidation of democracy and economic reform in that country will enhance the response of our partners to Poland's endorsement of that country. Kiev’s pro-Western choice should find an unambiguous confirmation in facts. As an EU member, Poland will campaign for the quickest possible presentation to Ukraine of its clear European prospects, including the possibility of membership.

Our policy towards Belarus will be guided by the objective of consolidating its independence and sovereignty in international relations, as well as supporting the structures of civic society. To attain these goals, we will try to make broader use of the possibilities inherent in the partnership programs of NATO and the European Union. (…)

The Polish-American relations have recently attained unprecedented stature. One of the reasons for this has been the Polish position during the Iraqi crisis. This new quality in our relations has had positive political consequences. It is a source of our enhanced prestige, also among our European partners. The joint service of the Polish and American soldiers in Iraq is consolidating our partnership.

In the year 2004 we will undertake measures with view of maintaining the present level of political cooperation. We hope that it will be conducive to developing economic cooperation, including the new phase of American direct investments in Poland, among others thanks to the implementation of the off-set agreements connected with the purchase of the F-16 aircraft. Good climate in the Polish-American relations should also result in the more active presence of the Polish enterprises on the American market.

We will do out best to facilitate travel of Polish citizens to the United States. I know that this issue is a matter of concern for the Members of the Sejm and that it is attracting intense interest of the Polish public opinion. I would like to take his opportunity and inform you that we have held talks on his issue for several months, not only at the working level, but also at the highest political level. We intend to consistently present our position to our American partners and jointly seek solutions to problems affecting the Poles who wish to travel to the that country.

The Iraqi crisis exposed serious divergences between the USA and some key European states. Differences of opinion in the transatlantic community are a fact and we do not intend to underestimate them. Still, they are of secondary importance when one considers the durable and solid community of values and interests bonding America and Europe. Therefore, there is no dilemma of having to choose between America and Europe. However, it is imperative for Poland to contribute to the consolidation of the transatlantic partnership. It should help us confront joint challenges and threats of the contemporary world. (...)

NATO remains the fundamental platform of transatlantic cooperation. The North Atlantic Alliance guarantees our country's security. The consolidation of its coherence and significance remains the primary objective of our policy.

Over the recent years NATO has been undergoing the process of profound transformation. The Organization has taken on a responsible role in Afghanistan; the NATO Headquarters have also granted support to the Polish activities in Iraq, where NATO could play an even more prominent role. NATO is becoming an institution capable of a selective fulfillment of its tasks even in distant corners of the world. We support this trend.

We support the concept according to which NATO must focus its attention on areas where the threats to the Euro-Atlantic zone originate. It is a blessing of the moment that there is no serious risk of armed conflict in Europe. Even though the sources of threat are outside Europe, if they are not effectively contained, they could directly threaten the countries of our continent. Hence, it is indispensable to use NATO on the areas beyond Europe. This consolidates the role of the organization as a valuable instrument from the point of view of the security interests of its member states.

The allies, including Poland, should develop their defense capabilities with a view to fulfilling new tasks. However, this does not imply forgetting the classic role of NATO as an instrument of collective defense. This does not also mean forgetting the necessity of a meticulous monitoring of traditional threats.

We will take part in the implementation of initiatives designed to raise the military capabilities of the Alliance, such as the Prague Capabilities Committment, NATO Response Force, the initiative of defense against weapons of mass destruction. We will monitor the process of reforms of the NATO command structure and support the idea of establishing a NATO Allied Forces Training Center in Poland.

The United States has recently announced a review of the deployment of its troops in Europe. This is justified by the changes in the international security environment. Poland shares this reasoning. We are confident that the decisions that are made will be met with full understanding among our allies and partners. The relevant consultations are under way.

The enlargement of the Alliance is part of the construction of its new identity. We are gratified that the present stage of enlargement is progressing smoothly. The door to NATO should remain open. We refer here, in particular, to the aspirations of Ukraine. Credit should be given for the Ukrainian reforms in the area of security and defense, as well as for its contribution to the stabilization of Iraq. We expect that this year’s NATO Summit in Istanbul will give a strong impetus to the further rapprochement between Ukraine and NATO. We also hope that the pragmatic cooperation between NATO and Russia will be further developed, enhanced by a change in the perception of NATO by the Russians. (...)

Poland bears significant burden in connection with her involvement in military operations conducted under the aegis of NATO, the UN, the European Union and the coalition of states. The Iraqi operation has priority, though we are not conducting it to the prejudice of other obligations. Poland will retain her commitment to the so-far NATO crisis-response operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, and to the international police operations in South-Eastern Europe. (…)

Over the last several months, world politics has focused on the Iraqi issue. It has brought home the awareness that international security is becoming more and more indivisible. Poland lent her support to the military operation against Saddam Hussein. We did so in the name of allied solidarity and for moral reasons. The operation was justified. New facts are contantly emerging, revealing the enormity of the crimes committed by the former Iraqi regime against his own people. The removal of the dictator was a blessing for Iraq's neighbors, the region and the entire international community.

Poland has been invited to take part in the stabilization effort. We were assigned the command of one of the sectors. This is a clear evidence of trust and appreciation which strengthened our country's international standing. The process of stabilization progresses, though not without complications. It has unfortunately come at a price of painful sacrifices. Polish blood has also been spilled for the Iraqi cause. This does not diminish our determination.

The Polish presence in Iraq has one goal: helping the Iraqis to assume responsibility for their own future, to build the rule of law, to establish order and security. We have no other intentions. The prospects of transferring responsibility to the local authorities have been set. Poland is highly interested in achieving this goal smoothly. The success of this process is in the interest of all, including the states that had harbored reservations or criticism towards the operation in Iraq. Chaos in Iraq would have extremely adverse impact on the region and the world.

The Iraqi issue makes us aware of the complexity of challenges facing the international community in its striving for world security and stability. Today Iraq has also become a battlefield against international terrorism. Terrorism, though it does not directly threaten the territory of Poland, strikes at the foundations of civilization and social order. We will continue our engagement in the anti-terrorist coalition with full conviction.(...)

In the implementation process of the Government Program of Cooperation with Polonia and Poles Abroad, particular attention will be paid to the assessment of the fulfillment by the governments of countries inhabited by Polish communities of bilateral and multilateral international agreements affecting the condition of the Poles residing in those countries.

One of priority directions will remain a comprehensive development of Polonia education. Another priority, in connection with Poland's EU membership, will be to upgrade the assistance of the consular missions in EU states for Polonia initiatives and undertakings designed to promote Poland in their countries of residence.