We have been enduring hybrid acts of aggression perpetrated by the Kremlin-backed regime of Alexander Lukashenko regime for more than three years. Belarus is attempting to smuggle irregular migrants to Poland and the European Union as a whole

- Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said. 

He noted that the work aimed at reinforcing the border barrier is underway and already partially completed, pointing out that no crossing attempts were recorded in the areas where the upgrades were completed.

Minister Tomasz Siemoniak highlighted the apparent change of strategy used by the Belarusian authorities, characterised by increased aggression against officers and soldiers protecting the Polish-Belarusian border. 

The Minister spoke in detail about the ongoing efforts.

We informed the German Minister in detail about the forces and the measures employed to secure the border. I want to assure the citizens of Poland and Germany that we will spare no effort to make this border secure, as Prime Minister Tusk said

- he declared.

He then thanked Minister Nancy Faeser for the words of sympathy following the death of Polish soldier - Sergeant Mateusz Sitek - who died defending the border.

Minister Tomasz Siemoniak: The EU and NATO need to defend the Polish-Belarusian border

We are working closely as we prepare for the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We consider security matters to be an absolute priority

- Minister Tomasz Siemoniak pointed out. 

He then alluded to the good Polish-German cooperation.

For us, the visit of the German Minister is a display of support and natural solidarity of countries that are friends, allies, and partners in the European Union. And for that, I am grateful

- he noted. 

The Minister also spoke about cooperation on matters pertaining to the protection of the Polish-Belarusian border, stating that the European Union and NATO should use their full potential to defend the border, because once this border is secure, the entire European Union will be secure as well.

Minister Tomasz Siemoniak also alluded to the border checks in place along the border with Germany.

We are doing our best to make this border secure, so as to prevent the need to reinstate internal borders in the EU. We hope that the border checks reinstated by the German government will be a temporary measure

- he said.

The Minister also spoke to officers and soldiers who serve at the Polish-Belarusian border.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Border Guard officers, soldiers, police officers and the supporting staff of various institutions for their dangerous service here at the border

- he concluded. 

German Minister of the Interior: Poland improves the security of the EU external border

Germany and Poland have been good neighbours, close friends and reliable partners; that is the foundation for a good partnership in the future

- said Nancy Faeser, Germany's Federal Minister of the Interior and Community. 

She emphasised that Poland's actions on the external border of the European Union, contribute significantly to security in Europe.

I know that this is an enormous challenge, and tackling it deserves our utmost respect

- she continued.

The German minister assured of her support for the future Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in particular the migration and security policies.  

Ministry of the Interior and Administration: Minister Tomasz Siemoniak meets Nancy Faeser, German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community

Prior to the visit at the border, a meeting of the Polish and German Ministers of the Interior was held at the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. One of the main topics of discussion was the instrumentalisation of migration, which remains a significant challenge for both the Polish and German sides. During the meeting, ministers also raised the issue of the much needed reform of the migration and asylum system.

More information about the meeting