Minister Zbigniew Rau pointed out that the international community should be prepared for a prolonged security crisis in Europe, the fighting of which will depend on Western unity. He presented the outcome of his Moscow visit as the OSCE chairman-in-office and expressed his hope for Russia’s constructive engagement in the Renewed European Security Dialogue. He emphasised the need for a strong EU response in the form of far-reaching economic sanctions in the event of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The minister expressed concern over the increasing military cooperation between Russia and Belarus.

During his meeting with Minister Kuleba, Minister Rau reiterated Poland’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. He noted Warsaw’s intensive bilateral cooperation with Kyiv and the support Poland provides to Ukraine, among others through humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas. 

During the Joint EU Council – Gulf Cooperation Council, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania presented a joint statement on Iraq, including on the activities of the Global Coalition against Daesh, illegal migration, and migration pressure at the EU’s eastern borders. The statement is a continuation of the MFA’s efforts to make the partners aware of the Belarusian authorities’ role in orchestrating illegal migration to Poland and the EU. Support from the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council is important to Poland, as airports in some of these countries were on migrant transit routes to Belarus and considering that they can exert influence on migrants’ countries of origin in the region.

At their meeting, the ministers also discussed today’s developments in and around Ukraine.
 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson

Photo: Bartosz Peterman / MFA