"POLAND AND NORWAY - PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE"

Norway's Deputy Minister of Defence Oystein Bo

Poland and Norway have enjoyed a fruitful cooperation in the defense industry domain.  The industry in both countries prospers for further areas of business activity which will result in mutual benefits.  The seminar was organized in order to show the results of past Polish-Norwegian defense efforts as well as to emphasize future areas of cooperation to bring the two countries even closer.  This awareness as well as the combination of Poland's and Norway's finest minds provide a good chance to use the expertise in cutting-edge systems which in turn will develop close, and long-term bonds.

In 1940, the Battle of Narvik marks the beginning of Poles and Norwegians alliance for the first time; they stood shoulder to shoulder and defeated the Germans - Deputy Minister of National Defence of Norway Øystein Bo started his speech at the seminar - That event allows us to draw two conclusions.  Firstly of all we cannot defend our own security alone.  Secondly, we must work with our neighbours on the basis of a common defense concept.

In his speech the Deputy Minister laid emphasis on Ukraine's situation and stressed the significance of Polish-Norwegian cooperation it is in this situation.

I am very pleased that Norway shares the perception of defence threats which have emerged in Europe  - Czesław Mroczek, Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defence  the fact that the International Defence Industry Exhibition (1-4 September 2015) hosts the Lead Nation exhibition of Norway comes as no incidence.  We are pleased that Norwegian defense industry has accepted the invitation. Yet this is not the beginning of our common journey, I deeply believe that our future will abound with opportunities.

Sławomir Wojciechowski, Director of the Strategy and Defence Planning Department, MOD has given an insight into Poland's defence sector,  modernization plans were described by  head of the Strategic Planning Board - P5 - the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Zdzisław Antczak. The speakers list also included Paweł Chlebowski of Dezamet SA and KONGSBERG CEO - Harald Aannestad.

On the third day of MSPO - 03.09 at 10:00 am in B Expo Hall the Norwegians will officially present exhibits from Narvik to the Bydgoszcz Army Museum.