,b>United States Ambassador to Poland, Christopher Hill, talks to Dena Gurgul.

Polish/American relations keep improving, especially in relation to Poland's recent participation in Iraq.Where does it stop?
I think you're quite right that Polish/American relations are continuing to improve. We started from a very high level. Polish and American people have always had good relations because our histories have been intertwined. What is especially gratifying is to see those relations really working on all fronts. Poland has emerged as a very close and reliable ally and partner for the United States and I know that Polish leadership set out to make the country a reliable ally and they're succeeding. Poland's reliability and closeness to us does not depend on things like parliamentary elections. There is a consensus and broad view in Poland on the importance of the U.S. relationship. At the same time, I think we have seen extraordinary development in terms of Poland's joining the European Union. We were all very pleased to see the results of the referendum and the fact that Poland will go into the EU as a very strong member, one that will have much to say and contribute. So despite Poland's lingering economic problems, I think the country is having a pretty good year.

Will those relations change once Poland enters the EU?
I think EU membership will present Polish industry with a great challenge. On the one hand, there is a challenge to make the most of the markets that will open up. On the other, there is the challenge of new competition. I think they're prepared for this and they've known that this is coming for a long time so I think they're just going to have to deal with it. From the point of view of U.S. economic relations, we're pleased that this transitional period is coming to an end and Poland will finally be a member. We think it will help them in setting out the rules of the game. Our firms compete very well in EU countries and I see no reason to believe that we'll have trouble in Poland.

What was the meaning of President Bush's visit to Poland? Should it be interpreted as a gesture of support for the region or rather a personal thank you to Poland for its support of U.S. foreign policy in Iraq?
I think it was all of the above. I think it is very clear that the president feels a great warmth towards Poland. He feels the support of Poland and it was an opportunity to come to Poland and say thank you to the Polish people. I think this is indicative of the fact that Poland is becoming a very serious player. We use the term close allies for those countries that the president can call upon in a time of crisis and I think that Poland has been added to that list.

On a more personal note, how do you feel as an American ambassador to Poland at this particular moment in history?
It is very gratifying for me. I served in Poland in 1983-85 which was a very sad time in Polish/American relations. Clearly the potential of those relations had not been achieved. So, it's gratifying to be here at this uplifting time. I've been in the diplomatic service a long time and have served in countries where the relationship was bad and became worse. So, it's nice to be in a relationship that's been good and is getting better.

There is a consensus and broad view in Poland on the importance of the U.S. relationship. At the same time, I think we have seen extraordinary development in terms of Poland's joining the European Union-Christopher Hill