Polish President Kwasniewski meets Bush and Rumsfeld

(14 Jan 2003)

POOL
Washington, DC - January 14, 2003
1. Mid shot of Presidents Bush and Kwasniewski in Oval Office, pan to reporters
2. Wide shot of two men seated
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, US President:
"Let me first start by saying how much I am honoured that my friend the President of Poland is back in Washington. We are thrilled you are here. My only regret is that you didn't bring your beautiful wife with you, the first lady of Poland. We are here to have a substantive talk on a lot of issues - issues ranging from the war on terror to the recent decision by the Polish government on the purchase of US-made aircraft and how best to implement that decision so that the Polish people benefit, so that the decision is not only good for the Defence Ministry of Poland but it is good for the people of Poland. The President here cares deeply about the people of Poland and we will have a good discussion along those lines. I've not no better friend in Europe today than Poland, one of the reasons why is because this man has made a commitment to work together as equal partners in the war on terror, desire to lift the ... find freedom for people who live in misery. So Mr President we're so glad you're back and welcome back to the Oval Office."
4. Close-up two men shake hands
5. Wide view
6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Aleksander Kwasniewski, Polish President:
"Our cooperation, our relations are very active and very friendly. Now we have consultations and we discuss all the problems concerning war against terror, the international situation and I think today is the best time to discuss because before action, before last decisions it is necessary to exchange opinions of experiences of some ideas and that is a very substantial element of my trip to Washington now."
7. Close-up pan from Bush to Kwasniewski

APTN
Arlington, Virginia - January 14, 2003
8. Close-up pan, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski arriving at Pentagon and being met by US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld

APTN
Washington, DC - January 14, 2003
9. Close-up Kwasniewski with Senator Richard Lugar, and former National Security Advisors Sandy Berger and Zbigniew Brzezinski

STORYLINE:

United States President George Bush and Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski on Tuesday celebrated their strong anti-terror alliance and opportunities for even closer ties presented by Poland's choice of US-made jet fighters to upgrade its air force.

The Bush administration views Poland - an partner in the war on terrorism and an ally against Iraq's Saddam Hussein - as a key source of support among often more critical European allies.

During a joint appearance with Kwasniewski before their Oval Office session, President Bush said that he had no better friend in Europe today than Poland.

He added that one of the reasons why is because Kwasniewski made a commitment to work with the US as a partner in the war on terror.

In response, Kwasniewski said that relations between the two countries were very active and friendly.

The leaders said a key topic of discussion was the implications and details of Poland's 3.5 (b) billion US dollar contract with Lockheed-Martin for 48 F-16s, chosen over two rival European bids as Poland seeks to meet NATO standards and strengthen its position in the alliance.

In addition to their nations' friendly relations, the two men have enjoyed a personal friendship as well that was on display in their brief appearance before reporters.

At one point, Bush told Kwasniewski that he regretted the First Lady of Poland was not able to join the Polish leader's visit.

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