[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.