Polish President Lech Kaczynski sent on Tuesday a congratulatory letter to Barack Obama on his inauguration as the new U.S. president.

"I wish to convey my best congratulations and wishes on your excellency's swearing in as U.S. president. We are sure your activity will enhance the further prosperity of the United States of America and strengthen their global position," Kaczynski was quoted by Polish News Agency PAP as saying.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a letter to Obama noted that the new president's term could prove a "good" time for the United States.

"I am convinced your presidential tenure will prove a good time for America, Poland and the world," Tusk said.

Tusk said that the United States and Poland were "bound by close friendship and solidarity ties which are deeply rooted in the past." He also noted that Polish-U.S. relations had been " especially intensive" in recent years due to Poland's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2009)