The ministerial debates focused on the assessment of progress in strengthening NATO security and on further steps that have to be taken in order to adjust collective defence in response to the threat posed by Russia. The allies discussed the plans of continued support for Ukraine and the possibilities for NATO and Kyiv to cooperate closer with a view to advancing Ukraine’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures. 

Minister Rau opted for enhanced cooperation with Ukraine in both political and practical terms. “Anchoring Ukraine within the Euro-Atlantic community will be beneficial not only for that country but also for the whole Alliance,” said Minister Rau. Poland’s chief diplomat advocated further enhancement of NATO’s deterrence and defence mechanisms following the decisions made at the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid. He underscored that the Alliance must adopt a long-term strategy of responding to the threat represented by Russia.

The head of the Polish MFA reiterated Poland’s support for the accession of Sweden to NATO and called for the process to be finalised at the earliest convenience. On the sidelines of the meeting of NATO top diplomats, Minister Zbigniew Rau talked to his UK counterpart, James Cleverly. The two ministers discussed preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius and further actions in support of Ukraine, and they agreed on measures to consolidate bilateral relations.

On 31 May, Minister Rau held bilateral consultations with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Anniken Huitfeldt. The talks covered matters related to bilateral cooperation, including the flourishing energy cooperation, as well as some of the issues on the current international agenda, such as the follow-up measures in the context of the war in Ukraine and its consequences for regional and global security. The ministers spoke highly of the regular dialogue between the two countries as regards security and defence policy, pointing to its pivotal component of regular strategic consultations in the format known as the Small Quadriga. “Poland and Norway are close allies and partners within NATO, who are willing to take actions to ensure security on a European and global scale,” said Minister Rau.  The head of Polish diplomacy also emphasised that energy cooperation with Norway is important for Poland. 

One of the reasons for the visit to Oslo was to bring up the question of challenges faced by Poles living in Norway. Minister Rau highlighted the significance of the obligations stemming from the Directive on the education of the children of migrant workers and called for granting Polish children better access to Polish classes in Norwegian schools.  “Integration is not at odds with the preservation of one’s bond with homeland; knowledge of the language and culture of one’s homeland is an added value,” the minister emphasised. While in Oslo, Minister Rau laid a wreath on the monument to Polish soldiers at Vestre Gravlund cemetery.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Barbara Wojciechowska/MFA