UPDATE: US, Poland agree to bolster defence, energy ties

The two countries also pledged to step up cooperation on energy projects in what Polish media described as a joint declaration on strategic partnership.

Poland is keen to diversify supplies and reduce its energy dependence on Russia.

Alliance 'never stronger'

Referring to Duda, Trump told reporters: “The alliance between our nations has never been stronger with you and I at the helm.”

Trump said he and the Polish president had “agreed to bolster our robust defence ties. We will enhance cooperation in military relations, intelligence, missile defence, technology and training.”

He added: “I’m proud to report that Poland has recently purchased a state-of-the-art Patriot missile system” from the United States.

Duda’s meeting with Trump was the first official visit by a Polish president to the White House in eight years.

Washington is a key military ally for Warsaw which, fearful of Russia, has been pressing for a permanent US troop presence in Poland. Trump said that the US was considering such a move.

'Aggressive behaviours'

Duda told reporters at a joint press conference with the US leader: “Today, unfortunately, we are seeing international law being violated. Today we are seeing aggressive behaviours. And I am convinced that there’s no more effective method of preventing a war than a decisive stance demonstrating that we are ready at any moment to repel a possible attack.”

A decision on the possible permanent stationing of American soldiers in Poland is likely to be made next year, a Polish official said earlier in the day.

(pk)