Mateusz Morawiecki’s words came at a news conference in Raszyn, central Poland, on Wednesday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
‘Most dangerous place on Earth’
Morawiecki was asked about the land corridor in northeastern Poland, which could become a potential flashpoint if the war in Ukraine spilled into neighbouring countries, according to news outlets.
The Suwałki Gap is nestled between northeastern Poland and southern Lithuania. It is flanked on either side by Belarus and Russia's Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad.
The politico.eu website recently called the corridor “the most dangerous place on Earth.”
“Poland is not a party to this war,” Morawiecki replied. "NATO is not a party to this war. Poland is part of NATO, the mightiest military alliance of all time.”
“I don’t think Russia would dare raise a hand against the strongest alliance in history,” he added.
‘Crucial place' for NATO
Morawiecki said that “according to NATO strategists, the Suwałki corridor, due to its proximity to the Kaliningrad region, to Belarus, is indeed regarded as one of the crucial places on the map of NATO.”
‘Troop presence is very strong’
“It’s an important part of NATO plans and of our internal military plans - and so the presence of our troops is very strong there,” he stated.
“Moreover, NATO forces are stationed nearby,” Morawiecki added.
He stressed: “Our security arrangements are appropriate, they are adequate, we are fully aware of the risks.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Polish Deputy Defence Minister Wojciech Skurkiewicz said that Russian fighter jets were carrying out “provocations” in the Baltic Sea region.
Also this week, Russia warned the Baltic state of Lithuania of “serious consequences” after Vilnius banned the rail transit of some goods to the Kaliningrad region. The blockade follows European Union sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, politico.eu