Feb 24, 2011, 15:39 GMT
Jerusalem - Israel and Poland signed a joint declaration of cooperation on water supply and sustainable energy technology Thursday, as the two countries held a joint cabinet meeting that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu said would strengthen ties.
'We are promoting, with tangible actions, our deep bilateral cooperation,' Netanyahu told the visiting delegation headed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Netanyahu said Israel and Poland had a 'shared history' and that the joint session had both 'practical and symbolic importance.'
He earlier told Tusk on his arrival in Jerusalem that 'the Jewish people are an indelible part of Polish history, and Poland is an indelible part of Jewish history.'
'It is a history of great tragedy and great struggle and great triumph,' Netanyahu said.
He was referring to World War II Nazi-occupied Poland, which saw some 88 per cent of its pre-war Jewish population killed, turning the country into what has been called 'the biggest Jewish graveyard in the world.'
'The Jews suffered in Europe and on the soil of Poland greatly. The Polish people suffered too, greatly, in their quest for freedom, both in the 19th century and in the 20th century. We suffered in the Warsaw Ghetto, you suffered in Warsaw,' said Netanyahu.
The Polish delegation, which included Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and Defence Minister Bogdan Klich, arrived in Israel Wednesday
The two premiers also discussed the current turmoil in the Middle East.
'We are at a period of great instability, and I know that you and all responsible leaders around the world seek to strengthen stability and work for the expansion of the circle of peace,' said Netanyahu.
He reiterated that Israel hoped the fast-paced change in the region would be for the best, but that his country had to 'prepare for every scenario.'
The agreement on water supply and sustainable energy technology deals primarily with promoting investment, exchange of technologies, increasing dialogue and exchange of information, and the establishment of uniform standardization, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.
The two countries will rotate specialists, conduct reciprocal learning tours, hold joint workshops, training courses and exhibitions, and encourage cooperation in the private sector.
In Warsaw, meanwhile, pro-Palestinian activists hung a huge Palestinian scarf around a famous palm tree sculpture to protest Tusk's meetings in Jerusalem.
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