Bilateral relations between the UK and Poland are excellent with many official visits taking place between the two countries. In addition to Mr Sikorski's visit last year, the Polish Justice and Trade Ministers also visited the UK. HRH Prince of Wales and the then Minister for Europe Jim Murphy were among high level visitors to Poland in 2008. The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee visited Warsaw at the beginning of 2009.

The bilateral relationship was strong even before Poland's accession to the EU in 2004. An FCO-funded Action Plan helped Poland prepare for EU membership and the UK continued to offer advice and assistance to Poland during the transitional period of their membership. We now work closely as partners in the EU and share common ground on many issues.

Our relations have become especially close in the defence field, with our troops serving together in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and, until recently, in Iraq. Regular joint military training exercises are conducted.

Culturally there is an active British Council in Warsaw, one of the largest British Council operations in the world. The main service is English-language teaching. HM The Queen opened the teaching centre in 1996.

In the UK there are various cultural centres, catering for the large Polish community in the UK. They cover a wide range of interests. In London, one example is the Polish Cultural Institute, a non-profit organisation set up by the Polish Foreign Ministry.