Bronisław Komorowski has opened MSPO 2010

"I am pleased to be able to pay another visit to the International Defence Industry Exhibition, which is widely recognized throughout Europe. It is, however, the first time that I have been here in the capacity of the Head of the Polish Armed Forces," said President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski, opening his address. "I am happy to see Targi Kielce growing in strength, and the International Defence Industry Exhibition expanding rapidly. It was only a few years ago when this event was not so impressive. Now, thanks to the ambition and persistence of the personnel of Targi Kielce as well as all those operating in the defence industry, Kielce can promote not only its exhibition centre but also Poland. The high standards offered by this exhibition excellently illustrate the significant potential of Poland and the Polish Armed Forces. Thank you for this growth,” concluded President Komorowski.

During the opening ceremony of the International Defence Industry Exhibition, Bronisław Komorowski posthumously awarded a Commander’s Cross of the Order of Poland’s Revival to Józef Teliga. The president emphasized the special contribution that was made by the Colonel of the Polish Resistance Movement, resident of Kielce, deceased in 2007, to our country’s defences. The award was received from the President by the daughter of the late Józef Teliga, Lidia Gościniewicz.

An address was also delivered by Minister of National Defence of the Polish Republic, Bogdan Klich, who made a summary of the developments in the Polish defence industry in 2009. He also said that now, after a year of economic crisis, it’s time for a brief respite, and the year 2011 will see dynamic development and transformations. The budget of the defence ministry will then reach a level of almost 28 billion zlotys, thus being the biggest in history.

The Minister for International Security Strategy, representing the UK Defence Ministry, said with emphasis that it was a privilege for the British companies to participate in the MSPO exhibition. ”Great Britain attaches a lot of weight to its relations with Poland, with long-term co-operation between our countries in the field of defence being of great importance,” added Gerald Howarth.

In addition to representatives of the Polish government, the ceremony was attended by over 30 official foreign delegations. MSPO is one of Europe’s major military equipment exhibitions. In 2010, Targi Kielce boasts 360 exhibiting companies from across the world.