NATO in solidarity with the hybrid attack by Belarus
21.10.2021
“I can say that there is a great understanding of the problem Poland is dealing with. The case concerns not only Poland. My Lithuanian and Latvian counterparts also spoke about the experiences of their countries with a hybrid attack taking place on the border of Belarus with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. There is understanding on the part of our allies for the actions taken. There is also some kind of support from our allies, although we emphasized that Poland's potential is so great that we are able to cope with this challenge. However, unanimity is important, NATO countries' solidarity is important and I would like to emphasize that I heard such words” - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defence after the meeting with defence ministers at NATO Headquarters.
The head of the Ministry of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak participated in the meeting of defence ministers of the North Atlantic Alliance countries, which was held in Brussels on October 21-22.
The meeting, chaired by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, started a series of ministerial meetings in preparation for the Alliance summit in Madrid, scheduled for June 2022.
During the working sessions, NATO defence ministers discussed, inter alia, on topics related to the enhancement of the Alliance's deterrence and defence capabilities, including the directions of the Alliance's involvement in the fight international terrorism, following the end of the military mission in Afghanistan.
“We talked about deterrence and defence, and therefore tasks that are NATO's core tasks. We discussed the operational plans, we discussed the strategic plan that the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe will use in terms of his activities within the Alliance. I listened to the speeches of individual defence ministers today and there was a good discussion. Above all, we can be glad that NATO clearly sees the Russian threat. In my speech, I also spoke about the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border. For me, there is no doubt that what is happening, what the Lukashenka regime is showing, has the support of the Russian side and is in its interest. I spoke about how we are counteracting the migration crisis, as well as about developing the defence capabilities of the Polish Army, about the fact that we are investing in defence. NATO Secretary General mentioned that 10 countries spend more than 2 percent GDP for defence, and Poland is in this group. Among the leaders of the North Atlantic Alliance "- noted the head of the Ministry of National Defence.
He added that attention was paid to threats from all sides, not only on NATO's eastern flank.
“Of course, Poland is primarily focused on this direction, but we are also active when it comes to threats from the south, terrorist threats. Our commitment is active. The Polish contingent is in Turkey, we are in the Balkans, primarily in the NATO format, but also in the European Union format or in the UN format. I mean the Middle East and Lebanon " - he stressed.
Minister Mariusz Błaszczak also referred to issues related to the NATO strategic plan.
“I can say that this plan predicts threats to NATO's eastern flank, threats from Russia. I believe this is our achievement. Achievement of Poland and countries in our part of Europe. Some commentators disregarded the threats posed by Russia, but all allies agreed on the seriousness of the Russian threats. Everyone agreed that these threats should be included in the strategic plan, which will result in the preparation of operational plans. And here we are also consistent - these threats should also find their place there " - he argued.
During his stay in Brussels, the head of the Ministry of National Defence signed letters of intent on cooperation between states in the field of selected air defence capabilities (GBAD and C-RAM) and CBRN. The Minister in Brussels met with France's Defence Minister, Florence Parly. The subject of bilateral talks were, among others, issues related to the situation in the Sahel region, priorities for the modernization of the armed forces and defence relations of European Union countries in the context of NATO. On Thursday afternoon there was also a meeting of the minister with Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence.
During the second day of his visit to NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the head of the Ministry of National Defence, in the presence of NATO defence ministers, signed the "Declaration of Intent to join the NATO Innovation Fund".
"Both my speech and the speeches of the Lithuanian and Latvian ministers were partially devoted to the situation on the border with Belarus. Of course, everyone shares the opinion that the Lukashenka regime allows itself to do just that, because it is supported by Moscow, by the Kremlin. The best and only method is the solidarity of NATO countries and showing that we are resisting. This is what is happening with our countries. Also during bilateral meetings. I had such a meeting with the Minister of Defence of France and the Minister of Defence of Great Britain, we also discussed this subject" - Minister Błaszczak emphasized.
When asked about Poland's contribution to the development and security of the Alliance, the head of the Ministry of National Defence emphasized that our country is perceived as one of the leaders.
"We can be proud that Poland is presented as an example of a state that takes its security responsibilities seriously. We care first of all for the security of our homeland, Poland, but we are a loyal ally, therefore our competences and our abilities have a positive impact on the security of other countries of the entire eastern flank, so we are set as an example to follow. We can be proud that Poland is distinguished among those countries that take their duties seriously, which actually have a positive impact on security” - he said.
