Speaking at a joint news conference with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said both countries "understand each other well," citing shared interests and aligned views on major geopolitical and economic challenges.
He told reporters the talks focused on international security, adding that Warsaw and Rome hold "identical positions" on Ukraine.
He thanked Meloni for what he described as her solidarity and stance on the war.
'Long, very cordial and personal'
Tusk also said he and Meloni discussed European Union policies, including the Emissions Trading System (ETS), EU funds, cohesion policy and agriculture.
He described the meeting as "long, very cordial and personal."
Photo: EPA/FABIO FRUSTACI
Photos: PAP/Radek Pietruszka
The Polish prime minister said both sides were open to negotiating a new bilateral treaty to strengthen ties, adding that their countries "deserve relations at the highest possible level."
Poland signed a similar cooperation treaty with France last year and is expected to conclude another with Britain in the coming weeks.
"We are ready to begin serious talks that should lead to a new agreement," Tusk said.
Meloni confirmed that Warsaw and Rome would begin consultations on a new treaty, noting that the current agreement between the two countries dates back to 1991.
She thanked Poland for its role in protecting the EU’s external borders and for its support for Ukrainian refugees. Meloni also highlighted discussions on EU competitiveness, calling for the removal of internal barriers that contribute to rising prices.
'Relations at the highest possible level'
Photo: EPA/FABIO FRUSTACI
The two leaders also addressed illegal migration, with Meloni describing Poland as being "on the front line" of efforts to protect the EU's external borders.
Tusk said Poland supports greater European solidarity on migration challenges, adding that while the issue is more immediate for southern European countries, it affects the entire bloc.
Both leaders emphasised strong historical, political and economic ties between their countries, and expressed support for closer cooperation within the EU and on broader international issues, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Earlier on Thursday, Tusk met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. He told reporters afterward that the meeting was long and "surprisingly informal," going beyond strict protocol and including reflections on the legacy of Polish-born pontiff John Paul II.
"I told the Holy Father that his words can greatly improve the world, which is heading in a troubling direction, and that his words and actions can help restore moral order in public life," Tusk said.
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Source: IAR, PAP
Click on the audio player above for a report by Michał Owczarek.