Deeply saddened by news of President Kaczynski’s death

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski. My thoughts are with the Polish people,” Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg commented.

“Lech Kaczynski helped Poland to consolidate its position among Europe’s democratic states, and as a key country in both political and economic terms. Norway and Poland cooperate closely today both in NATO, and in the EU through the EEA Agreement,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

Mr Kaczynski was active in the Solidarity trade union movement, and was an adviser to Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa. He was later elected senator, and served as Minister of Justice and mayor of Warsaw. Mr Kaczynski was elected President in the autumn of 2005.

“I met Mr Kaczynski a number of times, and my impression was that he was someone with a deep sense of commitment. Poland and Europe have lost a high-profile politician,” Mr Stoltenberg commented.

A large number of Polish citizens are resident in Norway, and participate actively in the Norwegian economy and in society in general. Currently, there are 1300 Norwegians studying in Poland, which is paving the way for greater understanding and long-term ties between our two countries.

President  Kaczynski was killed together with his wife, Maria Kaczynska, and prominent members of Polish society who were accompanying him on the visit to Russia.  

“My thoughts today go to the Polish people and to all those who lost loved ones in this tragic accident,” Mr Stoltenberg said.