Their talks focused on fostering Poland–France relations and stepping up the Weimar Triangle cooperation. Stressing the strategic importance of bilateral relations, the ministers said they want to bring a new dynamic to Poland–France relations, which will be evidenced by adopting a treaty on enhanced friendship and cooperation. They also discussed prospects for developing the Weimar cooperation and joints initiatives in this field.

The visit took place three days after the official launch of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the EU. The head of the Polish MFA outlined plans for the coming half-year and identified challenges ahead of the European Union. In this context, he highlighted the priority of close cooperation with the United States.  - We’ll improve Europe’s ‘strategic responsibility’ and defence capabilities. Not in opposition to the US but in strategic harmony with Washington. This will entail understanding and compromise on both sides of the Atlantic - emphasised Poland’s chief diplomat.

Minister Sikorski reiterated the continued support of Poland for Ukraine as a country which should belong to the EU. He furthermore underlined the efforts to speed up the EU’s eastern enlargement, also towards south-east. He indicated that the EU should assume greater responsibility for its own security and spend more on defence.

The head of Polish diplomacy said that Putin’s Russia remains one of the most serious security threats not only to Europe but also to the global order, seeking to permanently demolish the European security architecture.

Minister Sikorski stressed that “Europe is much stronger than Russian leaders think while Russia a great deal weaker than many Europeans think.” Minister said that Ukraine deserves peace but it should be a peace on fair terms and not a surrender.  - We shouldn’t be putting time limits on our support: it would only encourage Russia to fight on. Instead, we should be doing everything we can to strengthen Kyiv’s position in any future talks - said Foreign Minister Sikorski.

 

Photo: Barbara Milkowska/MFA