Polish-Italian friendship
In a joint conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Italian President Sergio Mattarella spoke about a friendship that was strengthened on Monte Cassino and expressed lasting gratitude for the Polish soldiers who fought for freedom. He underscored the deep ties between Rome and Warsaw and the shared memory of a pivotal moment in history.
During the speech, Duda noted that next year would mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, a milestone of great importance for Poland. He said that Poland would honor the heroic actions of its soldiers in Italy and pay tribute to those who fell in service to their country.
He added that four years earlier, during the 75th anniversary commemorations, he stood with the Italian President at Monte Cassino and at the Polish cemetery. Both leaders emphasized the goal of completing important elements that highlight Polish-Italian friendship in future years.
Polish contribution to the struggle for freedom
Mattarella described his presence at Monte Cassino as an honor and emphasized that the battle helped sanctify the friendship between Poland and Italy. He stated that this visit was important to highlight the enduring sympathy and solidarity that bind the two nations nearly forever, a sentiment he also expressed during his visit to Poland.
He observed that economic cooperation between Italy and Poland is growing, with increasing trade and ongoing opportunities for further collaboration. Cultural ties also run deep, with a long tradition of mutual interest and exchange that continues to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Mattarella stressed that the friendship forged on Monte Cassino remains a cornerstone of the alliance between Poland and Italy, a bond tied to the broader outcome of World War II. He recalled the honor of sharing that moment with the Polish President four years ago and expressed hope that next year could bring another collective reflection on the partnership between their nations.