In the context of the upcoming first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Minister Rau stated that both Ukraine and the Western world were put to the test that they so far passed. “However, swift and far-reaching military support by Member States, as well as further use of the EU instruments, including the European Peace Facility and EU military training mission with operational command in Żagań, is still necessary,” noted the head of Polish diplomacy. Minister Rau stressed the need for urgent delivery of modern Western arms and ammunition to Ukraine. He noted that the tenth package of sanctions should include far-reaching measures targeting specific sectors and individuals, which will contribute to reducing Russia’s ability to continue its aggression. The head of the Polish MFA also expressed his hope that the draft UN General Assembly resolution on just and lasting peace in Ukraine will garner the widest possible support. Minister Rau highlighted the need to fully support Ukraine in its post-war recovery and the EU accession, including by opening accession negotiations as soon as Ukraine fulfils relevant conditions. Furthermore, the minister condemned the sentencing of Andrzej Poczobut to eight years in prison, calling for an adequate response by the EU.

During the discussion on the situation in Afghanistan, the head of Polish diplomacy emphasised that Poland is deeply concerned about further restrictions of women’s rights by the de facto Taliban authorities. He reaffirmed at the same time that Poland will continue to support communities in countries and regions threatened by famine through its contributions to international organisations (to specialised UN agencies in particular).  

During the session on climate and energy diplomacy, Minister Rau underlined that one of key objectives of the EU diplomacy should consist in ensuring the Union’s energy security by establishing strategic partnerships with allies, seeking stable providers, and promoting diversification of supplies. “The impact the Russian invasion of Ukraine had on energy markets and the fact that Russia had earlier interfered in the EU energy market have clearly shown that it is impossible to disassociate the functioning of the internal market and the EU climate policy from the energy security,” he stressed. The minister added that the EU should encourage third countries to move away from risky dependence on supplies of energy resources from Russia.

While meeting with Moldova’s Foreign Minister Nicolae Popescu, the Polish top diplomat wished the new Moldovan government every success in further reforming the country and strengthening its resilience to the Russian threat. He emphasised that Poland supports the establishment of an EU civilian mission to Moldova in order to strengthen the civil security sector and backs Chisinau in its efforts to join the EU. Minister Rau declared that Poland is looking forward with interest to the second summit of the European Political Community scheduled for June in Chisinau as a platform for high-level discussions among the European countries that support a rule-based order on our continent.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson