“We have gathered to pay tribute to the soldiers of the Polish Army, who in 1920 repelled the invasion of Bolshevik Russia, who saved the independence of the Republic of Poland, and who also saved the freedom of Europe. But we are gathering on the Polish Army Day also to thank today's soldiers for their daily service, ”said Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense during the central celebration of the Polish Army Day in Warsaw.

“Today I have had the honor to recognize soldiers who had showed courage and bravery in saving the lives of others. I do highly appreciate your efforts. Thank you for your comittment. For not passing by when you see someone needing help. This is the essence of military service. Military service is not a job, it is a life attitude, it will guard the security of our homeland, but also help to all those who need such help. Congratulations to all the honored, and thank you all soldiers of the Polish Army for their daily service, ”said Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense during a meeting with soldiers in Warsaw.

Major General Adam Joks became the deputy commander of the US Army V Corps. He will be serving at Fort Knox, USA. - Major General Adam Joks is an experienced officer. He diligently fulfills all his duties and is aware of the challenges facing Poland and the entire eastern flank of NATO, said Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.

On Wednesday, June 30, soldiers of the 13th rotation of Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan returned to Poland together with the commander, Colonel Paweł Pytko. Polish soldiers have been present in Afghanistan for almost 20 years. Over 33 thousand soldiers and employees of the Ministry of National Defense participated in the mission.

The results of the last NATO summit in Brussels and current European initiatives in the field of defense and security were the topics of the second day of the meeting of defense ministers of the Visegrad Group, which was held in Elbląg under the chairmanship of Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.

- You are starting a new mission, a mission in Turkey. This is the first rotation, however, as Mr. President said, you are experienced soldiers. On the one hand you build a strong position of Poland within the North Atlantic Alliance, and on the other hand you gain experience that develop your military capabilities - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense during the meeting with soldiers serving in Turkey as part of the North Atlantic Alliance's operation, TAMT.

- Yesterday, the presidents of Poland and Turkey talked about security on NATO’s eastern flank, including the security of Poland and Turkey. They also discussed our military cooperation. This is the framework that we, the defense ministers, fill with a content - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense after the meeting with Hulusi Akar, the Minister of National Defense of Turkey.

- Today we have signed a contract for the purchase of four sets of combat drones. The sets will consist of 24 tactical UAVs equipped with anti-tank missiles. Together with armaments, we purchased a logistics and training package - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense after signing the contract for the purchase of 4 Bayraktar TB2 MALE tactical UAV sets for the Polish Army.

- The "Justice Sword 21" exercise is a readiness test for our soldiers. Polish-Romanian military exercises allow us to ensure the security of our countries, but also security on the eastern and southern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance - said Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of Polish National Defense during the international exercise at the training ground in Romania.

- I had the opportunity to talk with the Romanian Minister of Defense. I am grateful for being able to share my comments and thoughts. Thank you for the conversation that meets our expectations. Our friendly relations date back a long time (...) Our cooperation is very close - said Mariusz Błaszczak, Polish Minister of National Defense during the meeting with the Romanian Minister of Defense.