“Today, Poland and the United Kingdom are linked by a strong political and economic cooperation, one of close, strategic allies,” said Minister Czaputowicz in London. He pointed out that our partnership is based on solid foundations, on a long-standing tradition of both countries, and on respect for common values such as the love of freedom and human rights. He also emphasized that Poland and the UK will develop their partnership in bilateral relations and in international organizations. “The consultations are a symbol of the willingness of Poland and the UK to cooperate, including after the UK has left the European Union,” said Minister Czaputowicz. In this context, Poland’s chief of diplomacy also reflected on the UK’s decision to withdraw from the European Union. “It is leaving the EU, but it is not leaving Europe. We want our cooperation in all major areas to remain close and to benefit our countries, nations, and partners,” noted the minister.

The ministers also discussed current European developments, including the situation in the East and South of Europe. They reiterated the significance of allied cooperation aimed at strengthening transatlantic relations, especially in NATO. “The UK will remain an important member of the North Atlantic Alliance. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and myself agreed that transatlantic relations are equally important for both sides,” said Minister Czaputowicz.

The discussion also covered the possibility to take forward cooperation between the two countries in education, including to provide for the needs of the Polish community in the UK.  The Polish MFA head emphasized the importance of Polish language teaching in the UK, with respect both to classes for children and young people of Polish origin and to other forms of education.

The Polish and UK top diplomats also talked about the 10th anniversary of launching the Eastern Partnership, which falls next year. They looked at the Berlin Process Summit held in Poznan with participation of Western Balkan countries and they discussed the situation in the Middle East. 

The intergovernmental consultations are a manifestation of the strategic partnership between Poland and the UK. They were initiated by the Polish side in 2016 with a view to raising bilateral relations with the UK to a higher level. This year’s round of cross government talks was the third one. The other pillars of the broad and regular dialogue are the annual consultations of foreign and defence ministers in the Quadriga format and the Polish-British Belvedere Forum.

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Gabriel Piętka