Both countries’ top diplomats agreed to continue the close dialogue and cooperation on a bilateral basis as well as within international organisations with a view to strengthening the transatlantic community. We want a common response to global challenges and threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, security threats, and the enormous global challenge of rebuilding our economies.

Pointing to the common perception of security threats, particularly those coming from the Russian Federation, Minister Rau expressed his hope that the US will remain engaged in Europe and in Poland’s neighbourhood. “We noted that President Biden, in a conversation with President Putin, made it clear that the US will respond vigorously to Russia’s actions which harm the US or its allies. We look forward to a continuation of US policy towards Nord Stream 2,” said Minister Rau speaking to Secretary Blinken.

The interlocutors emphasised that the governments of the United States and Poland share the position that Nord Stream is a bad solution for Europe, and that diversification of transport routes of energy resources should proceed in a manner which does not involve energy blackmail against other allies and partners. The chief of Polish diplomacy welcomed the fact that the Three Seas Initiative has bipartisan support in US Congress and of the US government. “We noted that at the Three Seas foreign ministers’ meeting on 11 February the US secretary of state confirmed his support and willingness to work together with us,” added Minister Rau.

Minister Rau presented Poland’s efforts to strengthen the democratic reforms and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Ukraine and stressed the need for cooperation with the US in this regard. The chief of Polish diplomacy said that security and defence is a priority area of the partnership with the United States, including the full implementation of the bilateral Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement of 15 August 2020. He also stressed the need to deepen economic and energy security cooperation. In this context, Minister Rau informed the US side that Poland has completed its internal legal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the bilateral agreement, which will lay the foundations for developing nuclear energy in Poland.

Also noted was the fact that the Polish Constitution uses a biological definition of gender, upholds human rights, and prohibits any discrimination and that in the coming years no changes are expected to the legal order in force since 1997.

Minister Rau stressed that as regards heirless property Polish regulations are in line with international standards dating back to Roman times. He added that Poland is ready to engage in an international debate on this issue on the basis of the principle of non-discrimination.

 

MFA Press Office