Lipinski Meets With Polish Foreign Minister Fotyga

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] Congressman Dan Lipinski met Monday, June 19, with Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anna Fotyga and the Polish Ambassador to the United States, Janusz Reiter, to discuss relations between the United States and Poland.

"Poland is one of America's closest allies and has continually shown a commitment to the US-led reconstruction of Iraq and the global war on terrorism," Lipinski said.  "It's important that we increase economic and cultural ties between Poland and the United States, and strengthen our already close relationship."

Ms. Anna Fotyga is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland and was appointed by the Polish President Kaczynski on May 9, 2006.  Previously a deputy foreign minister and a Member of the European Parliament representing the Polish Law and Justice party, Fotyga was in the United States to discuss current relations between the United States and Poland, including the Visa Waiver Program.

"Including Poland in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program would not only benefit Polish citizens wanting to visit the United States, but would also make it easier for millions of Polish-American citizens to see their families and friends," Lipinski said.

Congressman Lipinski has cosponsored legislation to add Poland to the Visa Waiver Program which covers 27 countries, including Slovenia, Brunei, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and Japan.  In 1991, Poland unilaterally repealed the visa requirement for the United States citizens traveling to Poland.  The U.S. Senate recently passed an amendment to immigration reform legislation that adds Poland to the Visa Waiver program for a two years probationary period, and allows Polish citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 60 days without needing to stand in line to get a visa.