Speaking during a visit to Kyiv on Saturday, Duda said: "Standing with Ukraine, under President Zelensky’s leadership, has always been vital for Poland’s security."
Duda on Saturday made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital in what he described as a "farewell trip” marking the end of his decade in office.
He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and participated in Ukraine’s Constitution Day celebrations.
In a joint press conference, Duda emphasized the importance of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation during his presidency, calling it “a crucial time of service to Poland” as he supported Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression.
During the visit, Duda was awarded the Order of Freedom, Ukraine’s highest decoration for foreign nationals.
He accepted the award “with great honour,” saying he did not expect such recognition and expressing gratitude for being decorated alongside the families of fallen soldiers and frontline heroes.
'Poland has always stood with us': Ukraine's Zelensky
Zelensky highlighted Poland’s steadfast support for Ukraine in the European Union, NATO and other international organizations since the start of the full-scale invasion.
“Poland has always stood with us, in Brussels, in NATO, and in dialogue with our partners,” Zelensky said.
Both presidents stressed the importance of continuing strong bilateral ties, dialogue, and strategic cooperation.
They discussed future relations, security issues, and joint initiatives within the EU and NATO, as well as the ongoing defense partnership, including potential cooperation on drone development.
Duda also thanked his Ukrainian counterpart for authorizing long-awaited exhumation works in Puzhniki in western Ukraine, which could allow Polish families to locate and honour the graves of loved ones lost during wartime atrocities.
He called the move an important step in historical reconciliation between the two nations.
Duda said that over 2,000 Polish companies are ready to participate in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction, calling for an expansion of good-neighborly relations into economic cooperation.
Both leaders welcomed the outcome of the recent NATO summit in The Hague, particularly the commitment to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP—3.5 percent earmarked for direct defense needs and 1.5 percent for broader security.
'We will invite the new president to Ukraine'
When asked about future ties with Poland’s President-elect Karol Nawrocki, Zelensky said it was too soon to formally invite him while Duda remains in office.
However, he underlined the importance of maintaining close dialogue between Kyiv and Warsaw.
“We will invite the new president to Ukraine, and if he invites me to Poland then I will come,” he said.
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Source: IAR, PAP