France's Macron aims to improve ties with Poland during trip

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron began a two-day visit to Poland on Monday that both sides hope can improve strained relations.

Macron's office said the visit is a “crucial” part of France's efforts to bolster ties with European partners. It is his first official foreign visit this year.

The talks are set to focus on European issues, defense, climate,the economy and energy, at a time when Poland is seeking partners for a planned nuclear power plant.

Macron has previously been critical of Poland's right-wing government and its policies on migration, climate and reforms to the judiciary.

His predecessor, Francois Hollande, cancelled a visit in 2016 after Warsaw scrapped a planned purchase of French helicopters.

On Monday, Macron is to meet Poland's President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, parliament speakers and Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, who described the visit as a “breakthrough” in bilateral relations.

On Tuesday, Macron travels to the southern Polish city of Krakow where he will visit the royal Wawel Castle and give a speech at the Jagiellonian University.