Blair said Britain and Poland had a lot in common

Poland was one of the four countries to contribute combat troops during the conflict to oust Saddam Hussein, and is also deploying troops for peacekeeping duties.

"We've... been immensely grateful for Poland's support in Iraq," Mr Blair said in a speech in Warsaw ahead of his high-level talks in Russia G8 summit in Paris.

Staying out is not a sign of Polish strength, it would lead to Polish weakness Tony Blair

Mr Blair also used his brief visit to appeal to Poles to vote for EU entry in a referendum that takes place next weekend.

"Europe is not a threat. It is your opportunity," he said.

The majority of voters in Poland - by far the biggest of the 10 nations due to join the EU in 2004 - back the idea, but there are concerns that a low turnout could invalidate the referendum.

Healing the rift

Earlier this month, Washington asked Warsaw to take over the military administration in central Iraq in recognition of Poland's role during the conflict.

Blair and Miller's talks centred on Iraq and Europe

But Poland's staunch backing of America has drawn sharp criticism from France and Germany - the two key anti-war allies in the EU.

One German newspaper recently described Poland as Washington's "Trojan Donkey" within the EU.

But addressing dignitaries at Warsaw's Royal Castle on Friday, Mr Blair tried to heal the rift by saying that trans-Atlantic disagreements should not be allowed to "explode into a diplomatic dogfight".

"Where in Europe there is disagreement with the United States, we should manage the disagreement carefully as between allies."

In turn, the prime minister said Washington could recognise Europe's dilemma of wanting to be "America's partner, not its servant".

The issue of the future of transatlantic relations will be addressed by US President George W Bush later on Friday, when he will deliver a key speech during his visit to Poland.

Reaching out

Mr Blair also said Britain and Poland had a lot in common, urging Poles to follow Britain's example of almost 30 years ago and say "yes" to the EU membership.

"I can say from the experience of Britain.. that whatever the difficulties, there is no doubt at all in terms of prosperity, living standards, trade, business, it is better to be in than out," he said.

"Staying out is not a sign of Polish strength, it would lead to Polish weakness."

He also praised Warsaw's efforts in helping neighbouring Ukraine to build up more dynamic relations with Brussels, saying that other EU members should follow the Polish lead.

Mr Blair described Poles as a "brave nation", reminding of the role Polish pilots played during the World War II fighting alongside the Brits.