The talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concerned bilateral relations and the security situation in Europe in the context of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The meeting also contributed to further coordination of the transatlantic response to the war triggered by Russia and its consequences on the international scene.  The ministers highlighted the strong strategic dimension of the bilateral relations, evidenced not only by close cooperation in the field of security and defence policies, but also by working together to ensure energy security.  We are also looking to reinforce our mutual links in economy, trade, culture, and people-to-people contacts.  Minister Rau presented Poland's proposals with regard to imposing more severe sanctions on Russia and bringing that country to account for its crimes. He also called for the West to continue to support Ukraine politically as well with military, humanitarian and economic assistance. "Aid to Ukraine is in fact an investment in our security," said Minister Rau. He also underlined the importance of continued enhancement of North Atlantic Alliance’s deterrence and defence, including of NATO’s eastern flank, through significant and permanent US military presence in Poland.

The head of Polish diplomacy held a number of meetings at the US Congress to solicit for a continuously high level of US engagement in Euro-Atlantic security through sustained sanctions against Russia and assistance for Ukraine. The minister met with Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), the Commission's Co-Chairman Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee), and Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina). He also talked with Congressman Michael Turner (R-Ohio). The interlocutors agreed on the security situation in the region and shared a critical view of the war waged by Russia in Ukraine.

Minister Rau took part in the Washington edition of the Aspen Security Forum. He presented to US experts and diplomats accredited to the USA the activities of this year’s Polish Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the security situation in the North Atlantic Alliance’s close neighbourhood, and explained its impact on the Euro-Atlantic security, that is also the security of the USA.

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson