    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [March 20, 1991]
    [Pages 293-294]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 293]]

    Declaration on Relations Between the United States of America and the
    Republic of Poland
    March 20, 1991

        For over 200 years the United States and Poland have been bound by
    shared values and a commitment to the principles of democracy, human
    liberty and the rule of law. The American Constitution of 1789 and the
    Polish Constitution of 1791 are enduring symbols of this special bond,
    which survived even during the long periods when Poland's independence
    and liberty were denied. Our relations have been further sustained and
    enriched by the millions of Americans of Polish descent who over the
    generations have helped create a free and prosperous society in the
    United States.
        Just as Poles supported America's quest for freedom and liberty more
    than two centuries ago, so has America stood by Poland during her long
    years of darkness. When the Polish people began to reassert control over
    their national destinies, the United States committed itself to
    supporting their pioneering efforts to secure their freedom and to build
    a market economy and stable democratic rule.
        Poland and the United States share an interest in maintaining
    stability and security in the new Europe, and in working for the further
    strengthening of peace on the continent. Our relations are based on the
    United Nations Charter and principles of the Helsinki Final Act and
    Paris Charter, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity,
    inviolability of frontiers, non-intervention in internal affairs, and
    the rule of law. The United States attaches great importance to the
    consolidation and safeguarding of Poland's democracy and independence,
    which it considers integral to the new Europe, whole and free.
        Relations between Poland and the United States have entered a new
    era of cooperation and partnership. The United States and Poland are
    committed to developing their new partnership through an enhanced
    political dialogue and regular contacts in areas of common interest.
        Poland and the United States share the conviction that the
    development of a market economy in Poland is essential to its stability
    and security. The United States reaffirms its continued strong support
    for Poland's courageous program of economic reform. The Polish
    Stabilization Fund, the Polish-American Enterprise Fund, and U.S.
    support in international financial institutions are among the tangible
    signs of that commitment.
        Poland's firm commitment to an economic reform program that enjoys
    the endorsement and support of the International Monetary Fund has made
    possible the mobilization of substantial new financial and other
    economic assistance from the international community. The United States
    and Poland have concluded a Treaty Concerning Business and Economic
    Relations and other key agreements that should facilitate trade and
    investment needed for economic growth and prosperity.
        Poland is engaged in an economic transformation of historic
    proportions in which its economic partners also have a key role in
    assuring success. We therefore welcome the agreement of the Paris Club
    on the substantial reduction of Poland's foreign debt obligations, which
    represents an historic and exceptional step by the international
    community to reinforce Poland's progress toward democracy and the free
    market.
        The United States and Poland are also committed to developing their
    new partnership through closer cultural, educational, and scientific
    contacts.
        The United States and Poland are convinced that these principles
    will further strengthen the bonds of lasting friendship and cooperation
    between both states, as an integral element of the broader partnership
    that binds the United States and Europe and of a new world order based
    on democratic values and the rule of law.

    [[Page 294]]

    Washington, the 20th day of March, 1991.

    George Bush                          Lech Walesa
    President of                         President of
    the United States                    the Republic of
    of America                           Poland

                        Note: The declaration was made available by the
                            Office of the Press Secretary but was not issued
                            as a White House press release.