Polish PM in Paris for talks with French president

The two are expected to discuss “10 key issues” in both bilateral relations and European affairs when they meet at the Elysee Palace at noon, according to Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski, who is accompanying Szydło in Paris.

The meeting, which is expected to last 40 minutes, will focus on issues such as European Union reforms, military cooperation, security in Europe and the divisive issue of so-called posted workers, Waszczykowski said before flying to Paris.

Waszczykowski told public broadcaster Polish Radio 3 on Tuesday that the Polish prime minister’s meeting with the French president promised a “new opening” in bilateral relations.

"I hope this is a new signal, a new opening, that we will forget old problems," he said.

Macron has been critical of the policies of Poland’s conservative government led by Szydło, including its opposition to his push for rules under which companies would be required to pay "posted" and local workers the same wages.

In late August, Macron said in a media interview that the policies of the Polish government "undermine the rule of law."

Szydło retorted that Macron “should mind his own country's business” after he attacked Poland for isolating itself within the European Union.

Szydło also said that Poland was democratic and “pro-EU”, and that it was determined to defend important European Union values, including the free market.

During the Paris meeting, Szydło also wants to talk with Macron about the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany that is opposed by Poland and other countries in the region, Waszczykowski told reporters before heading to the French capital.

While in Paris, Szydło is also scheduled to meet with Jose Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and deliver a speech at an OECD business forum.

(gs/pk)

Source: Polish Radio