New EU foreign policy chief visits Poland

Warsaw: Federica Mogherini, the new head of European Union diplomacy, met Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna here Thursday.

After the meeting, Mogherini said that Poland would play an important role in the construction of a common European policy.

"I am convinced that the role of Poland will be very important and will contribute to a common European policy. We know that the sense of European identity is deeply rooted here, not only in politics but also in Polish society. This is the most powerful value of your country," Xinhua quoted her as adding.

Mogherini said her mission was to create a common foreign policy for Europe.

"I want to hear what are the priorities, visions, views of member states, I want to understand and shape a common strategy and vision, not only in terms of short-term actions, but also the issues which we will be working over for the next five, ten, or twenty years."

According to the new EU diplomacy head, both sides should look forward into future and prepare not only for crises currently taking place, but also to their prevention in future. "We also want to play a positive role when it comes to global challenges which we will have to understand and which we have to face together."

During her visit to Warsaw, Mogherini will also meet the Polish President, Bronislaw Komorowski. She has formally taken office Saturday.