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Global Diplomacy
Polish State Visit Photo Essay
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush stand with visiting President Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland and his wife, Jolanta Kwasniewska, during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn Wednesday, July 17, 2002.
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush stand with visiting President Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland and his wife, Jolanta Kwasniewska, during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn Wednesday, July 17, 2002.
 
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush stand with visiting President Aleksander Kwasniewski of Poland and his wife, Jolanta Kwasniewska, during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn Wednesday, July 17, 2002. Approaching the podium, President Kwasniewski greets President Bush. "We are grateful to America, you, Mr. President, and your predecessors, for good will and help we have been receiving in Poland for dozen of years -- in all our efforts," said President Kwasniewski, addressing the crowd in English. "Poland is steadfast ally of the United States. We take over the co-responsibility for European and global security. On the 11th of September, all of us felt New Yorkers."
Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Kwasniewska stand together during the South Lawn ceremony at which the national anthems for both countries were performed and their husbands reviewed the troops. The two leaders and their wives wave to one of the most crowded State Arrival Ceremonies in recent memory. "Today, Laura and I are honored to welcome the President (President Kwasniewski) and the First Lady to an America that is proud to call Poland friend and ally, and a partner," said President Bush.
Before starting the first meeting of the day, Presidents Bush and Kwasniewski talk privately in the Oval Office July 17. The two Presidents conduct a joint press conference in the East Room July 17. The leaders outlined two initiatives that would encourage stronger military and economic cooperation between Poland and the United States.
Flanked by some of America's finest servicemen, President Bush and Mrs. Bush wave to photographers with President Kwasniewski and Mrs. Kwasniewska as they welcome Poland's first couple to the State Dinner July 17. As White House staff and Cabinet members dine with invited guests, members of the Marine Band perform throughout the State Dining Room July 17.
Before greeting guests, President Bush invites President Kwasniewski into the private residence of the White House. Waving goodbye at Andrews Air Force Base, Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Kwasniewska head to Philadelphia to visit the Thaddeus Kosciuszko house July 18. Trained as a military engineer, Mr. Kosciuszko came to America from Poland in 1776 to help fight in the American Revolutionary War.
En route to Michigan, President Bush and President Kwasniewski talk on Air Force One. In addition to a private meeting in the President Bush's office, the Polish head of state was treated to a personally-guided tour the famous plane July 18. Attending a luncheon at the American-Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Mich., President Bush and President Kwasniewski are visited by one of the center's smaller members. Upon their arrival to the center, the two presidents were greeted by about two dozen children wearing traditional clothing.

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