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WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2005 – President Bush praised Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski today for his country's cooperation in the war in Iraq, saying the two nations have a "mutual desire to train Iraqis so that they can defend their own freedom."
The two leaders met at the White House to discuss the war in Iraq, among other topics. Kwasniewski said he is "full of optimism thinking about that conflict and about the successful completion of our mission." A Polish general commands the Multinational Division Central South in Iraq where it has helped, with a sizable Polish troop contingent, provide security and stabilization in the region. "Poland's been a fantastic ally, because the president and the people of Poland love freedom," Bush said. He noted that the people of Poland "must have been thrilled" when the millions of Iraqis went to the polls and "showed that people from all parts of the world want to live in a free society -- just like your great nation has shown the world over the last decade." Bush also said he would ask Congress to approve a $100 million military-to-military expenditure this year to help Poland modernize its armed forces. During today's press conference, Bush also commented on Iran's nuclear program. "The Iranians just need to know that the free world is working together to send a very clear message: Don't develop a nuclear weapon," the president said. "And the reason we're sending that message is because Iran with a nuclear weapon would be a very destabilizing force in the world."
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