President Andrzej Duda approached former Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa to shake his hand during the 36th anniversary of the historic August Agreement between unionists and the communist authorities in Gdańsk on Wednesday.

Duda approached former President Wałęsa to shake his hand during the traditional part of a Catholic Mass – the handshake of peace.

The Mass was part of anniversary events in Gdańsk and was attended by top Polish politicians and Solidarity trade union representatives.

Wałęsa committed what was seen by many as a faux paus a few days ago when, during ceremonies commemorating two Polish heroes executed by the communist regime after World War II, he left a commemorative Mass early.