The meeting in Dublin was devoted to central topics in bilateral cooperation such as the Polish community in Ireland, and to current European and international developments.

 

The ministers discussed items now on the European Union's agenda, including the UK's withdrawal from the EU. In particular, they looked at possible ways of resolving the issue of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of a hard Brexit. "Our aim is to avoid a no-deal Brexit, which would be the worst scenario for both sides. We believe the quest for a solution should continue until the very end," stressed Minister Czaputowicz.

Moreover, the Polish and Irish foreign ministers talked about transatlantic relations, Eastern policy, and prospects for Poland and Ireland to work together at the UN.

Poland's top diplomat took this opportunity to exprerss his satisfaction at more intensive bilateral cooperation in policy making, defense, and culture. He mentioned the presence of a large Polish community in Ireland, which in his words has been making a significant contribution to Ireland's economic, social and cultural life, and helping to forge new ties between our countries.

While in Ireland, Minister Czaputowicz also travelled to the Northern Ireland border, and met with representatives of Cooperation Ireland, an NGO that promotes dialogue and cooperation between Northern Ireland and Ireland. According to the Polish minister, Poland is keenly interested in the relationship between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the possible restoration of a physical border between both parts of the island in the wake of a no-deal Brexit. "Solving the border issue is also in Poland's interest as it will have a major impact on the situation of the Polish nationals who live in Ireland and Northern Ireland and cross this border on a daily basis," observed the minister.

MFA Press Office
 

Photo: Gabriel Piętka/MFA