President Hosni Mubarak paid a historical and unprecedented visit to Poland thus writing a new chapter in the history of relations between Egypt and Poland which started 80 years ago. This visit showed a real desire in promoting contact and cooperation between the two countries.

The Polish president Lech Kaczynski expressed his deep pleasure towards the visit of a leader of a great country like Egypt which enjoys a unique status in the Middle East and world. He said that Mubarak's evaluation of issues in the region represents a clear vision which provided him with a deep understanding for all issues on the regional and international levels.

Poland plays a developing role after joining the European Union as it witnesses a change in its political and economic history following its adoption to the free market economy. In 1980s, Poland passed through a severe economic crisis which led the communist government to nationalize the industry and distribute the private properties and agricultural lands. However, the year 1989 represented a turning point in the history of Poland as it witnessed the collapse of the communist regime and holding of the first free parliamentary elections.

Today, the Polish economy exhibits an upsurge where the Gross Domestic Product (DGP) reached USD 625 billion in 2007, growth rate 6% while the average per capita income reached 11.000 dollars annually. President Mubarak said that there are joint features between Egypt and Poland thus allowing a solid base for promoting cooperation in fields of trade, investment and exchange of experts whether on the bilateral level or within the framework of the European partnership.

Minister of trade and Industry Rasheed Mohamed Rasheed said that Egypt is keen to increase the volume of trade exchange with Poland in light of the quick growth rates realized by Poland. He noted that market of Eastern Europe countries is a promising market for the Egyptian products in view of the partnership agreement with the European Union which allows entry of Egypt's products into Europe without conditions or limits.

On the bilateral level, the visit of President Mubarak to Poland opened new horizons of cooperation in the projects of energy, oil, agriculture, tourism, investments, exchange of experts, infrastructure, railways, roads and building of ships. No doubt this visit will achieve its fruits soon.

By: Eman Anwar
Akhbar El Yom, 15/03/2008