While the presidential couple traveled to Bratislava by car, they flew to Warsaw on government special because of the distance. On arrival at the Presidential Palace, Duda and his wife welcomed him in front of a mounted military unit. National Anthems of both the countries were featured in the ceremony.
This will be followed by a meeting of the two presidential couples, a private meeting of the presidents, meetings of national delegations and a press conference.
A week after his inauguration, Pavel visited Poland. He confirmed a trip ahead of the election in response to a statement by his opponent Andrej Babiš (ANO), who questioned in the debate Czech aid to Poland and the Baltic states during a military offensive. He reiterated his desire to visit Poland after the election when he met Duda at a security conference in Munich.
In addition to mutual ties, the Czech president can be expected to talk to Duda about the war in Ukraine. Poland is at the forefront of supporters of the country attacked by Russia. They may also discuss the future of the Visegrad Group, which includes Slovakia and Hungary. Pavel repeatedly expressed doubts about the functioning of the association. The Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia currently have a significantly different view of the conflict in Ukraine than Hungary. However, Poland has also long faced criticism for its adherence to the principles of the law.
Pavel will stay in Poland until Friday, when he will meet with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and visit the European border agency Frontex. The delegation will then fly to Rzeszów Airport. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, it has served as a transfer point for military aid provided to the country by Western countries.
The First Lady has a slightly different agenda. During Pavel’s visit to the presidential palace, he and Dutt’s wife Agatha Kornhäuserova-Tutova will tour the Royal Castle and have lunch together.
