The Battalion Battle Group stationed in Orzysz is one of four NATO multinational battalion battle groups. It was formed under the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP). It was one of the key decisions taken during the 2016 NATO Warsaw Summit.

The battle group is made up mostly of US troops, as well as British, Croatian and Romanian personnel. The group performs its daily tasks in cooperation with the 15th Giżycko Mechanized Brigade.

“I wish your presence here was not necessary, that you could stay and serve in your countries. However, we need it in order to ensure security to our region and the whole Alliance,” noted Minister Jacek Czaputowicz.

Furthermore, the chief of Polish diplomacy emphasised that the presence of NATO forces in Poland is an important symbol of allied solidarity and readiness. “Thanks to your service we feel more secure, because we know that you represent the power of the whole Alliance,” he added.

The visit took place in connection with the Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East co-hosted by Poland and the US. The conference is held in Warsaw on 13-14 February.

The ministerial was launched yesterday with an official dinner held at the Royal Castle in Warsaw and was attended by Polish President Andrzej Duda and US Vice President Michael R. Pence. During the second day of the summit, the government representatives of over 70 countries will take part in a plenary session and panel discussions.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo Sebastian Indra / MSZ