Meeting of deputy foreign ministers of Poland and Slovakia
16.09.2021
MFA Secretary of State Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk met with his Slovak counterpart Martin Klus in Kraków on Wednesday, 15 September 2021 to discuss the current bilateral and European agenda.
“Poles and Slovaks are proven partners, both bilaterally and in many major fora: Visegrad Group, EU, and NATO. We have supported each other in the pandemic and continue to provide neighbourly assistance at this difficult time,” emphasised Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk, referring to the help Poland rendered to Slovakia in mass COVID-19 testing scheme this January.
The talks covered the most important bilateral agenda, including key infrastructure projects. The deputy chief of Polish diplomacy recalled that both countries are involved in major projects, for example the construction of Via Carpatia, a road network which should facilitate better ties between border regions. The ministers discussed Polish President Andrzej Duda’s Bratislava visit, which is scheduled to take place in the coming months, as well as preparations ahead of the next round of Polish-Slovak intergovernmental consultations. Also raised were current European issues, including the Conference on the Future of Europe and the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
The ministers confirmed that Poland and Slovakia have a common position on the migration crisis.
“Our two countries are not only close and good neighbours but also have shared views on a number of issues, including Afghanistan’s plight and the recently growing problem of illegal migration,” stressed Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk speaking on this subject.
Before the meeting, the ministers laid wreaths at the tomb of President Lech Kaczyński and First Lady Maria Kaczyńska in Wawel Cathedral.
MFA Press Office
Photo: MFA