On Monday 15th January, Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak met with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Curtis M. Scaparrotti and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels. 

- The security of Poland is based on two fundamental elements - NATO and our relations with the US. (...) I would like to stress that it is currently crucial moment for us, because decisions of Warsaw NATO Summit which took place in 2016, are now consequently implemented. I heard from both of our interlocutors, that it is  a great opportunity for Poland. This is a process on which we have been waiting for years. I emphasized Poland's involvement in this process and the will of our country to closely cooperate. I declared that this commitment will develop - said Minister Mariusz Błaszczak after the meetings.

Minister Mariusz Błaszczak thanked for the Alliance’s involvement in strengthening security on the Eastern Flank, thus strengthening the security of Poland. As Minister said to the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg “changes in the field of security require all NATO Members various activities to strengthen the security of the Eastern and Southern Flanks”.

During the meeting with the media, the Head of the Ministry of National Defense emphasized that Secretary General J. Stoltenberg raised the issue of defense budgets, stressing that Poland belongs to the group of the countries that spend at least 2 percent of its GDP on defence - I stated that according to governmental documents, this value will increase to 2.2% of GDP from 2020 to the level of 2.5% by 2030 - said the Head MoND.

During the visit in Brussels, Minister Mariusz Blaszczak handed General C. Scaparrotti and the Secretary General of NATO invitations to the ceremonies on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Regaining Independence by Poland.