Poland's strategic partners
Economic patriotism, Poland's relations with the US and the EU, as well as the outflow of capital to Asian markets were just some of the issues discussed during a conference called 'Poland in Europe - Facing global challenges', organized by the Institute of Foreign Relations.
"Poland is not only a strategic or special partner of the US. It is its natural partner," said Professor Zbigniew Brzeziński, a former adviser to President Carter and an expert in international relations.
The other natural direction of Polish foreign policy, according to Brzeziński, is towards the EU, with a special focus on Germany: "Only Polish-German reconciliation can open our door to Europe. If Poland continues causing conflicts with Germany it won't be treated as a serious and credible partner in Washington."
Other panelists focused more on the economic challenges Poland faces. "One of the main problems Poland has to deal with is how to attract foreign capital, not let it pass the country by and target Asian markets, especially India and China," said Jan Krzysztof Bielecki, a former Prime Minister and current CEO of Pekao SA.
"It is in Poland's best interest to support the European Commission's efforts in the de-nationalization of European companies. We cannot stop international flows of capital - you can either be a participant in the process or a mere observer," Bielecki added.
