For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 17, 2002
Fact Sheet: U.S. - Poland Military Cooperation Initiative
Presidents Bush and Kwasniewski have agreed that the United States
and Poland will develop a closer military relationship, one that will
benefit both countries. The United States and Poland will establish a
Military Cooperation Working Group to select specific areas for robust
cooperation.
This initiative reflects the strategic importance of the
Polish-American relationship and Poland's intention to transform its
military into a 21st Century force -- much like the United States is
transforming its own forces.
The United States and Poland will benefit from closer military
cooperation. This cooperation, moreover, will demonstrate to other
NATO Allies and nations aspiring to join the Alliance the possibilities
and benefits of modernizing and transforming defense capabilities.
Aspects of the initiative could include, but are not limited to,
the following:
Establishing long-term partnerships between U.S. Army Europe
units and selected Polish units.
Fostering deeper cooperation and
interoperability between U.S. and Polish Special Forces.
Continuing and strengthening cooperation between the U.S. Navy and the
Polish Navy, especially with regard to integrating the Perry class
frigates into the Polish Navy.
Examining the potential for joint
training between U.S. Marine Corps units and the Polish Marine
Battalion.
Encouraging greater interoperability in nuclear,
biological, and chemical weapons defense by developing joint doctrine
and taking advantage of training and exercise opportunities.
Seeking opportunities for greater cooperation in Missile Defense.
Working together to modernize Poland's defense acquisition process.
The first meeting of the Military Cooperation Working Group on
Transformation will establish a "short list" of near-term projects and
opportunities and discuss future goals.
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