The ministers discussed the current security situation in Europe in the context of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal aggression against Ukraine. In this regard, Deputy Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk made a point that further steps need to be taken to support Ukraine in its fight with the Russian aggressor, and that another round of sanctions targeting Russia is necessary. The deputy ministers also talked about measures to enhance Europe’s energy security in the light of what the two countries have been doing to become independent from Russian primary energy sources.

The interlocutors confirmed that Poland and Bulgaria are willing to advance their bilateral relations, both political and economic, including in terms of cooperation between their respective defence industries. They also spoke highly of the potential for continued regional cooperation in South-Eastern and Central Europe, including in the framework of the Three Seas Initiative and the European Union. The ministers agreed that the EU enlargement policy must be actively supported, along with a swift granting of a candidate status to Ukraine and a tangible progress of Western Balkan countries on their path to EU membership. They also stressed the importance of appointing candidate countries’ representatives to positions within the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Following a request from the Bulgarian side, Poland presented its solutions with regard to combating disinformation, countering hybrid threats, and public diplomacy initiatives put forward in response to the current international situation.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the deputy ministers signed the Programme of Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Government of the Republic of Poland in the Fields of Culture, Education, and Sport for 2022-2025.

 

Łukasz Jasina

MFA Press Spokesperson