Polish Ambassador Marcin Rybicki on Monday called on Japan to invest more in Poland and encourage more of its citizens to visit his country.

Pointing out that Japan ranks only 21st among countries that have invested in Poland, he said in an interview with The Japan Times that Poland is interested in hosting Japanese firms engaged in high technology and financial services.

Rybicki said Poland's entry into the European Union on May 1 is historic.

"Fifteen years ago (when Poland restored full independence), it was like science fiction. But after 15 years, we did it. . . . Different from 15 years ago, we are absolutely a free country."

While Poland will have to make significant efforts to catch up with its more advanced EU neighbors in terms of technology, competitiveness, living standards and social security, Rybicki said his country has some major advantages, such as a well-educated population and cheap labor. Poland can also expect help from the EU in improving its infrastructure, as happened in Spain and Portugal, he said.

Regarding the issue of terrorism, Rybicki said that Poland stands firm with the United States in its view that terrorism poses a danger to all countries.

"Our engagement in Iraq is quite serious," and Poland has no plans to withdraw its 2,500 troops from Iraq or diminish their number, he said.

However, Poland is much in favor of increasing the role of the United Nations in Iraq and would like new U.N. resolutions to help the international community, he said.