Minister Zbigniew Rau takes part in informal meeting of NATO ministers of foreign affairs in Oslo
01.06.2023
Between 31 May and 1 June, the head of Polish diplomacy took part in an informal meeting of NATO ministers of foreign affairs in Oslo. The purpose of the visit was to discuss decisions to be taken during this year’s NATO Summit in Vilnius (scheduled for 11–12 July 2023). The meeting was attended by the foreign minister of Sweden, an official NATO invitee.
The ministerial debates focused on the assessment of progress in strengthening NATO security and on further steps that have to be taken in order to adjust collective defence in response to the threat posed by Russia. The allies discussed the plans of continued support for Ukraine and the possibilities for NATO and Kyiv to cooperate closer with a view to advancing Ukraine’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.
Minister Rau opted for enhanced cooperation with Ukraine in both political and practical terms. “Anchoring Ukraine within the Euro-Atlantic community will be beneficial not only for that country but also for the whole Alliance,” said Minister Rau. Poland’s chief diplomat advocated further enhancement of NATO’s deterrence and defence mechanisms following the decisions made at the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid. He underscored that the Alliance must adopt a long-term strategy of responding to the threat represented by Russia.
The head of the Polish MFA reiterated Poland’s support for the accession of Sweden to NATO and called for the process to be finalised at the earliest convenience. On the sidelines of the meeting of NATO top diplomats, Minister Zbigniew Rau talked to his UK counterpart, James Cleverly. The two ministers discussed preparations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius and further actions in support of Ukraine, and they agreed on measures to consolidate bilateral relations.
MFA Press Office
Photo: Barbara Wojciechowska/MFA
