§ 23. Mr. BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Poland and its efforts to build up democratic institutions.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe have close and friendly relations with Poland. We admire the courage with which the Polish Government are tackling their economic problems and will continue to give substantial help to ease the transition to democracy and a market-based economy.
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§ 48. Mr. Anthony CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met a member of the Polish Government; and what was discussed.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met the Polish Foreign Minister, Mr. Skubiszewski, at the Group of 24 ministerial meeting in Brussels on 13 December, when further Community assistance to Poland was discussed. He also met Lech Walesa, chairman of Solidarity, on 30 November. They discussed the internal situation in Poland and economic assistance.
§ 29. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to meet the Polish Prime Minister or members of the Polish Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs certainly hopes to meet the Polish Prime Minister in 1990. No date has yet been fixed. He met the Polish Foreign Minister at the Group of 24 ministerial meeting in Paris on 13 December and had talks with Mr. Lech Walesa, chairman of Solidarity, on 30 November.
We are delighted that a programme of economic reform has now been agreed with the IMF, and will continue to support the Polish Government's efforts in all appropriate ways, including through a contribution to the stabilisation fund.