The video meeting was an opportunity to share information and experience on national strategic plans and the health and well-being of animals. Deputy Minister Bartosik opened the discussion on behalf of Poland. On the part of the Netherlands the meeting was opened by Guido Landheer, Deputy Director General for Agriculture from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Secretary of State pointed out that Poland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands had shared a long record of successful cooperation, in particular in the area of agriculture and rural development.

‘The cooperation continues to develop in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic which affected Poland, the Netherlands and the global economy.  Irrespective of difficult circumstances, the trade in agri‑food products between Poland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues without disruption,’ said Deputy Minister Bartosik.

Director Landheer emphasised the importance of joint EU-level activities in solving numerous issues, such as water shortage, climate change or crises. It is also important to adopt common approaches to the mitigation of the effects of the pandemic, as well as drought and combating animal diseases.

The heads of delegations unanimously confirmed that the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic displayed the importance of close cooperation between Member States, exchange of information about threats, as well as joint actions and responsibility for ensuring food security and effective crisis prevention.

Hope was expressed that the discussion among experts will facilitate the establishment of effective tools, procedures and mechanisms to achieve climate and environmental goals that ensure security and harmonious development.

The discussion between the experts of Poland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands focused on the work on national strategic plans, including ‘green infrastructure’ and circular economy, as well as developing more effective solutions to combat and prevent the spread of the ASF and SARS-CoV‑2 in mink.

The parties declared further working cooperation between experts, and expressed their readiness to continue talks at the level of the Ministers of Agriculture of Poland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.