The two-way talks, known as intergovernmental consultations, were led by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Tusk and Scholz discussed ways to enhance European security and military cooperation. They also addressed issues such as illegal migration, with Scholz affirming his support for Poland's role in Europe and Tusk voicing optimism about the future of bilateral relations.
Tuesday's talks marked the first intergovernmental consultations between Poland and Germany since 2018.
Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Poland as it seeks to play a more prominent role in European affairs, while Tusk underscored the goal of invigorating Polish-German relations.
Emphasizing security as paramount, Tusk addressed the geopolitical risks faced by both Poland and other European countries, particularly those posed by Russia, Belarus and the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.
"Today, Europe needs strong leadership and a common stance on security issues. Welcome to Warsaw, Olaf Scholz," wrote Tusk on the X platform, welcoming the German Chancellor to Warsaw.
Tusk further noted the heightened threats of internal subversion and sabotage within Poland.
"I am particularly focused on bolstering comprehensive security, military collaboration and effective management of illegal migration to ensure a secure EU external border," he said.
Enhancing EU border security
Tusk told reporters he is pleased that Germany is ready to take responsibility for the security and integrity of the EU's external border together with other European countries.
"The 'Eastern Shield' project, together with the Baltic states' project, is an infrastructure project aimed at strengthening the security of the European border." Tusk said.
"I have no doubts that it is also in the interest of Germany for this border to be effectively guarded," he added.
He told reporters that Polish-German relations "are again characterized by mutual trust, patience when needed, and we are on the right path to once again talk with full conviction about Polish-German friendship."
"Everyone is looking at our relationship with great hope, because it can open up many different interesting opportunities for all of Europe, for Ukraine, for Germany, and most importantly, from my point of view, for Poland," Tusk said.
Forging a shared future
Historical issues in Polish-German relations figured prominently during the meeting. Tusk said that "Poland, as one of the biggest victims of World War II, and Germany, as the perpetrators of this misfortune and tragedy, today as free, democratic, and European nations should together effectively ensure that Europe is safe and that war never repeats itself."
Scholz said: "We all know that we share a common responsibility for the defense and security of Europe. This applies to all dimensions, including external borders."
He added it is in Germany's interest that the external borders of the European Union function efficiently.
"When we think about air defense, we also consider the development of defense infrastructure, so that troops can move from or through Germany," he told reporters. "These are the issues we are currently addressing. Here, we speak with one voice. We need to have a common position and we need to cooperate closely within NATO and the EU to enhance this cooperation."
Scholz wrote on X that his country wants Poland "to have a strong voice in Europe because the security of our countries is inextricably linked."
"We vouch for this as neighbors, NATO allies, and EU partners," he declared, thanking Tusk for "the very constructive intergovernmental consultations."
(mp/gs)
Source: PAP/x.com/@donaldtusk/@Bundeskanzler