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Meeting between Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz and NATO Secretary General

13.11.2024

- We discussed, with NATO Secretary General, the most pressing challenges facing NATO, Poland's role within the Alliance, and the nature of our interactions. Poland is a reliable ally, and we are committed to upholding our obligations as set forth in the North Atlantic Treaty. We expect the same level of commitment from our allies. The most pressing security concerns were discussed, and I also delivered a presentation on the provision of assistance to Ukraine. I emphasised that Poland has been providing support to Ukraine since the outset of the conflict, implementing a whole range of possible measures to assist the country. On behalf of the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Dymanowski presented details of the support provided to Ukraine. The Secretary General and his delegation were highly impressed by Poland's actions since the outset of the war in Ukraine – W. Kosiniak – Kamysz said following the meeting with the NATO Secretary General.

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On 13 November this year, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, met with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Warsaw.

-    We also addressed the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in Bydgoszcz. This is the first tangible structure for NATO's cooperation with Ukraine, from which we are deriving invaluable experience. The centre's role is to evaluate the suitability of equipment, the required capabilities and strategies for the modern battlefield. This information is not only of use to Ukraine, but may also prove valuable to our own armed forces and our allies in the future. It is to be hoped that no practical application of this knowledge will be required, but it is nevertheless essential to acquire it in order to develop the requisite skills. Furthermore, the discussion encompassed the investment in Shield East and Poland's role in border protection and the construction of defence infrastructure. Additionally, we addressed the fulfilment of commitments to the NATO summits held in Washington, Vilnius and Madrid. The Secretary General expressed his gratitude for Poland's contributions towards the modernisation of the army. (…) We believe that increased expenditure on defence is essential for the discussion of security to be taken seriously

- the head of the Ministry of Defence emphasized.

The bilateral meeting addressed a number of key issues, including the strengthening of transatlantic relations, with a particular focus on the development of Poland's defence capabilities and the eastern flank of the Alliance. It also covered the presence of allied forces in Poland, defence expenditure and financing for the development of capabilities within NATO, and the priorities of the Alliance.

In a meeting with media representatives, the head of the Ministry of Defence also made reference to the opening of the US Aegis Ashore missile defence base in Redzikowo that took place on the same day.

-    Today is notable day. The base in Redzikowo has been opened. This is a unique occurrence. This is of great significance for the defence capabilities of the NATO, which is undergoing a period of growth as part of the strongest defence alliance in the world. We were present at the opening ceremony today, accompanied by the President, the US Ambassador and Minister Sikorski. Together, we attended the inauguration of the base as part of the missile shield, which is designed to protect Europe, the United States and NATO allies from various threats, thereby strengthening our deterrence and defence capabilities. This represents the fundamental strategy of the NATO countries: a deterrence and defence strategy. It should be recalled that the purpose of NATO is to promote peace, to foster security and to support the maintenance of such conditions. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to possess strength. Peace and freedom will not defend themselves. It is necessary to possess strength and determination. This is a significant investment that has been ongoing in Poland for a number of years. It represents a milestone in air defence, but also a symbol of the American presence, which is both permanent and significant for our relationship

- Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak - Kamysz said following the meeting with the NATO Secretary General.

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