German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday congratulated Karol Nawrocki on his victory in the Polish presidential election.

“German-Polish friendship is a matter close to my heart. Let us strengthen the friendship between our peoples together,” said Steinmeier.

The right-wing Nawrocki narrowly defeated Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski in Sunday’s election, securing 50.89% of the vote.

Steinmeier noted in his statement that Germany is aware of its responsibility for the suffering brought upon Poland during World War II.

“We are all the more grateful that Poland and Germany stand side by side today as close partners in the European Union and NATO,” the German president said.

“We must work closely together on the basis of democracy and the rule of law in order to secure Europe’s future in security, freedom and prosperity,” he added.

Nawrocki is taking office at a very challenging time for Europe, which is “counting on Poland,” Steinmeier said. He invited the president-elect to Berlin.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the importance of relations with Poland since taking office last month, having met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on a number of occasions.

Sunday’s election result could complicate ties between Berlin and Warsaw, as the conservative Nawrocki vowed during the campaign to raise the contentious issue of World War II reparations – a long-standing thorn in German-Polish relations.

-dpa