Poland in US

Elżbieta Witek, Marshal of the Polish Sejm; Viktoras Pranckietis, Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas; Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Latvia Saeima, as well as a representative of the Estonian parliament and Polish senator Marek Pęk, were received in Washjngton by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The meeting focused on the issue of security, during which the Marshal and her counterparts discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the necessity of upholding sanctions on Russia. Within this context, the politicians also spoke of the U.S. military presence in our part of Europe.  

The Marshal of the Sejm touched on the bipartisan support that Poland has received from U.S. presidents. She highlighted Republican President Ronald Reagan’s engagement during the struggle between the “Solidarity” movement and the communist regime, as well as Poland’s subsequent efforts to join NATO, actively backed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. “Matters of security are crucial. Irrespective of who governs, we must make all necessary efforts to ensure the stability and development of Central and Eastern Europe,” Speaker Witek stated. Speaker Pelosi agreed that matters of security remain a key component of the United States’ interests, regardless of the upcoming election’s results and current partisan feuding. 

During a press conference with Polish media following the meeting, the Marshal also highlighted the significance of the Three Seas Initiative, stating, “This is an investment not only into infrastructural and economic development, but, most importantly, into security on a European and transatlantic scale.” 

Politicians from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also spoke with the Co-Chairs of the House Baltic Caucus, Congressmen Adam Schiff and John Shimkus, followed by meetings with representatives of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Chairman Jim Risch, as well as the senior U.S. Senator from New Jersey, Bob Menendez. During their talks, Marshal Witek emphasized the importance of the Three Seas Initiative for regional security, energy and infrastructure, and that it is a universal and key project for our region of Europe. 

In addition, Marshal Witek participated in a briefing prepared by analysts from the Heritage Foundation. She also laid flowers on the grave of Jan Karski and toured the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. 

 

Based on information from sejm.gov.pl. Photo by Łukasz Błasikiewicz.