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February 20, 2009
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Defense Minister Bogdan Klich signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between Polish and U.S. Special Forces at the Second Mechanized Division in Krakow today. Secretary Gates offered his condolences for recent Polish deaths in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “I extend my sympathies to the Polish people for the recent death of a Polish soldier in Afghanistan and on the gruesome murder of a Polish engineer from Kraków in Pakistan. These are both reminders of the challenges we face in that part of the world.” Secretary Gates and Minister Klich highlighted the importance of deepening the cooperation between Poland and the U.S. “The MOU signed today is one commitment that underscores the growing relationship between the Polish and U.S. Special Forces,” said Secretary Gates. “For years we have enjoyed cooperation on missions in Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Polish troops are professionals wherever they serve. This MOU is a new stage in our defense relationship.” Minister Klich concurred that “this Special Forces agreement helps both our countries, and the international community, face the challenges of global terrorism” and expressed his belief that “we will see the value of this agreement very soon during operations in Afghanistan.” After the MOU signing, Secretary Gates spoke with Polish Special Forces who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, thanking them for their service.
