WWII: 80 Years On: German president asks for Poland's forgiveness

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Europe

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has asked for Poland's forgiveness as the nations marked 80 years since the start of World War Two in Europe. CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic reports from the commemorative events in the Polish capital Warsaw.

The commemorations began before dawn, with Polish and German presidents inspecting Polish troops in Wielun.

It was at this exact moment 80 years ago, that German artillery shells started pounding this small Polish city.

Later in the afternoon, the main event got underway in Warsaw.

ALJOSA MILENKOVIC WARSAW "Representatives of several countries from both sides of the conflict are on the stage behind me. They've gathered to mark the anniversary of the beginning of World War Two. With the Polish President Andrzej Duda hosting them, US Vice President Pence is arguably the biggest star of the event."

After the military ceremony, the German President took the stage where he gave an emotional speech.

FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER PRESIDENT OF GERMANY "As a German guest, I stand barefoot before you on this square. I look gratefully to the Polish people's fight for freedom. I bow my head in grief before the victims' pain. I ask for forgiveness for Germany's historical guilt, and I recognize our enduring responsibility."

In all, WWII claimed more than 70 million lives across the globe. The highest losses borne by the Soviet Union with as many as 27 million killed, and China, with an estimated 20 million killed.

Poland also suffered greatly, with the war wiping out almost 20% of its population.

In his address, US Vice President Pence focused on US - Polish relations.

MIKE PENCE US VICE PRESIDENT "Two years ago, President Donald Trump came to this very city and spoke about the remarkable bond between the American people and the people of Poland. Saying in his words: America loves Poland. And America loves the Polish people."

That American affection, also on display here at a meeting this weekend between US Energy Secretary Rick Perry and his Polish and Ukrainian counterparts.

They've agreed to significantly increase Polish purchases of U.S. liquefied natural gas - some of it ultimately bound for Ukraine to reduce both countries' dependence on Russia for their energy needs.

Aljosa Milenkovic, CGTN, Warsaw.