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Polish and Lithuanian Presidents discuss NATO's missile defense and regional security

04.09.2024 16:55
During their meeting in Warsaw, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda discussed NATO's ongoing debate about intercepting Russian missiles before they enter Alliance airspace.
Warsaw, September 4, 2024. Polish President Andrzej Duda (2nd from the right), First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda (right), Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausda (2nd from the left), and his wife Diana Nausdien (left) during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.
Warsaw, September 4, 2024. Polish President Andrzej Duda (2nd from the right), First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda (right), Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (2nd from the left), and his wife Diana Nausėdienė (left) during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.(sko) PAP/Marcin Obara

President Nausėda emphasized the need to accurately determine when a missile crosses a nation's border and evaluate its potential threat to security.

President Duda mentioned Poland's proposal to consider intercepting missiles over Ukrainian territory if they endanger NATO, which was well-received by Ukraine.

Nausėda noted that discussions on this matter are still ongoing, with no final conclusions yet.

Additionally, Duda pointed out that changes in the Ukrainian foreign minister are routine, while Nausėda refrained from commenting on the resignation of Dmytro Kuleba, indicating it is part of a planned political shift in Ukraine.

Poland and Lithuania strengthen ties amid ongoing security debates

A formal welcome ceremony was held in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw for the Lithuanian President, Gitanas Nausėda, and his wife, hosted by the Polish President and First Lady.

During his two-day visit to Poland, President Nausėda will also participate in the Polish-Lithuanian Business Forum.

The Polish President expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to work with the Lithuanian President on strengthening Polish-Lithuanian relations and building a solid foundation of security during these challenging times.

He also addressed military security issues, the situation at the Belarusian border, and the need to complete the route between Warsaw and the Polish-Lithuanian border, which will facilitate travel for citizens of both countries.

"Security and defense cooperation between Lithuania and Poland is crucial for the region. It is important to work with NATO allies to strengthen deterrence and defense on the eastern flank, increase allied presence on the ground, and continue supporting Ukraine," highlighted President Nausėda through social media.

Source: IAR/PAP/KP/X/@prezydentpl/@GitanasNauseda

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