Minister Zbigniew Rau held talks with his Romanian and Croatian counterparts, Bogdan Aurescu and Gordan Grlić Radman respectively, former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, and former US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence, Mark Kimmitt. On the agenda were key security issues related to our common membership in the North Atlantic Alliance and cooperation with the US. The discussion took place in a crucial moment for transatlantic relations – just after President Joe Biden’s first visit to Europe as well as after NATO and EU-US Summits.  
 
In his address, the head of the Polish MFA reminded that transatlantic cooperation is our common obligation in a constantly changing world. “Poland is a strong and reliable ally to the US, interested in the unity of the West which, we believe, ought to serve to ensure peace and stability,” said Minister Zbigniew Rau. 
 
The Polish top diplomat also stressed that NATO plays a central role in the transatlantic community. “It is the strongest political-military alliance ever. Poland’s position is clear – NATO is and should remain Euro- Atlantic security foundation in the future,” recalled  Minister Rau. Saying that, he pointed to all initiatives that enhance the Alliance which has to adapt to negative trends in the international arena.

The second day of Minister Zbigniew Rau’s visit to Turkish Antalya will be an opportunity to hold a number of bilateral meetings. Scheduled are talks with Foreign Ministers of Turkey - Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Romania - Bogdan Aurescu, Ukraine - Dmytro Kuleba and Iran - Mohammad Javad Zarif.

MFA Press Office

Photo: Gabriel Piętka / MFA