The talks focused on deepening cooperation in defense and security, including the issue of using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, and addressed the challenges of illegal immigration.
Tusk emphasized the meeting’s primary focus on bolstering the security of Poland, the UK, and Europe at large.
He praised the UK's commitment, saying: "Thanks to Prime Minister Sunak’s personal involvement, the UK and Poland serve as a prime example of effective collaboration and coordination."
As a follow-up to their meeting with NATO's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Tusk said: "There is no doubt that from these various initiatives in which our two countries are actively involved, a coordinated security policy must immediately emerge that will encompass the entire continent and the United Kingdom."
The Polish prime minister added: "Such is our common intent; we must end this era of certain competition and rivalry among various initiatives for defending Europe and the United Kingdom. We must also compel all our partners to fully coordinate systems, equipment, and security policies so that there are increasingly more effective actions and fewer conferences, words, formats, and political initiatives."
Sunak announced an additional GBP 500 million in military aid to Ukraine, aimed at strengthening its defense capabilities.
UK jets to protect Polish airspace
He also revealed that the UK would deploy Typhoon jets to protect Polish airspace, and send 16,000 troops to participate in NATO's Steadfast Defender exercises, which are continuing until June.
"Sojusznicy na zawsze," he said in Polish ("Allies forever").
Highlighting the historical and strategic ties between the two countries, Sunak expressed his deep respect for the role of Polish pilots in the Battle of Britain, a critical 1940 campaign in which high-scoring Polish fighter pilots tipped the scales of the air battle against the attacking German Luftwaffe.
The leaders also discussed the economic aspects of the Poland-UK partnership, with bilateral trade having recently doubled to reach GBP 30 billion, and opportunities for enhancing energy cooperation.
Tusk thanked Sunak for his understanding of Poland’s geopolitical challenges, including at its borders with Russia and Belarus.
He also expressed appreciation for the UK's support in enhancing Poland’s defense systems, including the development of new frigates and air defenses.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP