WARSAW, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Polish President Andrzej Duda has emphasized the need to enhance the U.S. presence in Poland and Central Europe during a brief meeting with President Trump in Washington on Saturday.

Duda informed reporters after the meeting, "President Trump indicated a preference for increasing the U.S. presence in Poland."

Stressing the importance of bolstering security in Poland and Central Europe, Duda mentioned, "He assured me, as one of the most credible allies, there should be no cause for concern."

Duda did not delve into details regarding the recent contentious exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but he noted that Trump appeared focused on "strengthening Ukraine, particularly through economic partnerships."

European officials have become apprehensive due to the shift in the U.S. stance towards Ukraine, a significant ally, fearing that Kyiv might be pressured into a peace agreement favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The White House reported on Saturday that Trump underscored the strong alliance between the U.S. and Poland, commending Warsaw for its commitment to bolster defense spending.