It is an exciting time for bilateral relations between Ireland and Poland, the Taoiseach told the Polish president today.
Beginning a three-day visit to the state, Lech Kaczynski met Bertie Ahern at Government Buildings for a 90-minute meeting.
Mr Ahern said after the talks: "Our two countries have much in common, both in terms of our historical experience and our partnership as EU members.
"This is an exciting time for Irish-Polish relations and President Kaczynski's visit has provided an opportunity for us to strengthen and deepen the growing links between our two nations."
A spokesman for the Taoiseach said that both leaders discussed the significant contribution made by the Polish community to the Irish economy and society in general.
"They have become an integral part of the increasingly varied fabric of modern Ireland," he explained.
The investment and employment created in the EU accession state by Irish business people was also on the talks agenda.
Last night, Mr Kaczynski and his wife met members of the Polish community in Ireland at a private function.
The president will tomorrow address the National Forum on Europe in Dublin Castle where he will speak on the theme, Poland and Ireland in a United Europe.
The Taoiseach is due to host a lunch in honour of the Polish president tomorrow evening in Iveagh House.