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Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak – Kamysz: the Alliance has to reaffirm its unity, it has to reaffirm its strength

09.07.2024

The Alliance has to reaffirm its unity, it has to reaffirm its strength. Liberty needs strength. We do not live in a time when we can sleep easily. Sadly each day brings horrific scenes like yesterday in Kyiv’s hospital. If someone bombs a hospital, they are capable of anything. And the Alliance has to respond forcefully in such situations. (…) Poland today is a co-host of the Alliance (…) We are also one of those who invest the most in the defence industry and the modernization of the armed forces, but we are also willing to support other countries – said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak – Kamysz before the commencement of the Washington NATO Summit.

Between 9th and 12th of July the Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak – Kamysz is in Washington, D.C., where he will take part in the jubilee NATO Summit which will take place on the 75th anniversary of the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty. Many issues important to the security of our country will be discussed at the Summit. The strengthening of Alliance’s defence and deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries, the enhancement of the Allied air and missile defences or the necessity for member states to increase their defence spending, as well as continuous, consistent and broad support for fighting Ukraine, shared equitably between all members – those are only a few of the matters discussed during meetings.

Between 9th and 12th of July the Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak – Kamysz is in Washington, D.C., where he will take part in the jubilee NATO Summit which will take place on the 75th anniversary of the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty. Many issues important to the security of our country will be discussed at the Summit. The strengthening of Alliance’s defence and deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries, the enhancement of the Allied air and missile defences or the necessity for member states to increase their defence spending, as well as continuous, consistent and broad support for fighting Ukraine, shared equitably between all members – those are only a few of the matters discussed during meetings.

- The 75th Anniversary of the creation of NATO is a major development for our security. We have arrived here well-knit. The Government and Mr. President share a common understanding. It is very important to us that in matters of security we speak with one voice. There are political differences, which is normal, but security issues are a priority for us, for our government. We will cooperate. We have a shared stance. It concerns mostly the fulfilment of regional defence plans, as well as the costs of modernization and transformation of the Armed Forces. Poland is a leader in this area. (…) Poland spends over 4% of its GDP for security, for armaments, for its Armed Forces. Next year this spending will be even higher

- the Minister of National Defence said

The Deputy Prime Minister has informed that before the beginning of the Summit Poland had signed 3 documents strengthening its security and its defence and deterrence capabilities.

- The solemn inaugural session of the NATO Summit will begin shortly. The 75th Anniversary is a time for celebration, but celebrating without such practical solutions would be ineffective. Minister Zalewski had signed a number of agreement of intents today, which strengthen Polish security. The first concerned a shared NATO countries consortium that will be buying naval mines. The Baltic countries had signed it. (…) The second one concerns the enhancement of our capabilities in the area of procuring satellite images, using the satellite component and coordination between countries. The third agreement, which I had signed a moment ago, concerns the security of cyberspace

- the Minister of National Defence noted

The Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) had already been signed by 17 countries, including the United States. This agreement will allow Polish Armed Forces to access the data of other participants in the initiative, as well as those procured from commercial providers. It will contribute to the enhancement of situational awareness both in NATO institutions and member states. The participation of Poland will be a contribution to NATO capabilities, as well as an opportunity to fill national capabilities with regards to satellite surveillance.

Addressing the conclusions of the Summit, the head of Ministry of National Defence informed that one of the decisions will be the establishment of a NATO-Ukraine Centre in Bydgoszcz.

- NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre will be established during this Summit. This is our success. Now it is in the process of finalization. This will be one of the conclusions of the Summit in Washington and an aid to Ukraine

- Minister Kosiniak – Kamysz underscored

- We are stronger thanks to the unity of the Alliance. This unity is the thing that is being attacked by Putin. It is in his interest to weaken this integration, this cohesion. The Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak – Kamysz spoke about this. This Summit is a demonstration of unity, but a very practical one. We will be safer as a result of the conclusions of this Summit. We will receive a clear view with regards to the fulfilment of regional plans. This is always left a bit wanting, but the decisions in this area will strengthen our security. We will undertake decisions regarding the support for Ukraine. We know very well that Ukraine is a country that today is defending the whole of Europe

- Deputy Minister Paweł Zalewski said in Washington

The Minister of National Defence also took part in the NATO Industry Forum.

- The security situation in Europe has changed radically since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. As a transatlantic community, we are also heavily impacted by events in other regions – the Middle East and Indo-Pacific in particular. Furthermore, given the support Russia has from Iran and North Korea, it is clear we are facing threats that are both global and interconnected. Polish security challenges are proof of this reality (…) Many violations of our air space require continuous air policing and missile defense missions. The situation in Ukraine demonstrates how having effective air defense is the only way to safeguard against air threats. Additionally, we are dealing with hybrid attacks, involving migrants on our border, which requires the engagement of various security forces and significant investment. Under the National Defense and Deterrence Plan, codenamed East Shield, we are securing our border, including through a system of fortifications. This initiative is an important element of our deterrence by denial strategy and will significantly help strengthen NATO’s ability to defend every part of Alliance territory. These challenges are the foundation of our overall defense stance

- the Minister of National Defence said during the debate. 

The Deputy Prime Minister had voiced a reminder that only solidarity-based approach to combating threats to security produces results.

- We need to look for opportunities to enhance collaboration in the defense industry, for example: within a framework of co-production or through the establishment of multinational defense projects. Such initiatives pool resources and expertise from multiple nations, distributing costs more equally and ensuring that all members can contribute to and benefit from advanced capabilities. Moreover, in light of the current security situation, we support enhanced cooperation between the public and private sectors in order to boost the development of key competencies. Poland also strongly advocates for a coherent approach where NATO’s capabilities are harmonized with those of the European Union, ensuring that every euro and dollar spent contributes to our shared security, to the maximum extent possible. A prime example of this is the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) initiative within the EU, which aims to deepen defense cooperation among member states

- the Minister of National Defence said

***

On July 9th the Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak – Kamysz and the Deputy Minister Paweł Zalewski have met in Washington D.C. with colonel Romuald Lipiński. The Minister of National Defence decorated the veteran of Monte Cassino a Polish Army Gold Medal for heroic deeds, as well as a commemorative gorget. During World War II colonel Lipiński has been a part of the army of general Władysław Anders and took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino and Battle of Ancona.

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