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UPDATE: Polish, German FMs meet to strengthen ties, address European security concerns

30.01.2024 23:00
In a major step towards reinforcing Polish-German relations and addressing broader European security issues, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski met with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Berlin on Tuesday.
Polands Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock meet in Berlin on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024.
Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock meet in Berlin on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024.Photo: PAP/Albert Zawada

During a joint press conference, Sikorski emphasized the importance of restoring amicable relations between the two democratically aligned countries.

Addressing his countrymen, Sikorski said that "European, democratic Germany is our ally" and expressed hope that his visit would mark a crucial step towards normalizing relations between Poland and Germany.

Sikorski stressed the desire for constructive cooperation as "members of the same European family" and allies within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

He acknowledged that differences in interests between neighbors are natural, but emphasized a constructive, non-confrontational approach.

Additionally, Sikorski highlighted the need for careful consideration of each other's perspectives and a mutual desire to rebuild trust at all political levels.

He mentioned the resumption of regular meetings and intergovernmental consultations, underlining that historical issues would continue to play a significant role in Polish-German relations.

Sikorski noted Baerbock's awareness of the importance given to remembering the victims of World War II in Polish society.

Among the topics discussed was the German-Polish House project in Berlin, intended as a memorial site for Polish wartime victims and losses. Sikorski also sought creative ways from the German government to compensate for these wartime losses.

Sikorski expressed hope for bilateral cooperation as a foundation for expanding partnerships within the European Union. He and Baerbock agreed on the potential role of the Weimar Triangle — a cooperative platform involving Poland, Germany and France, established in 1991 — in this context.

Russia's war in Ukraine was a major topic, with Sikorski emphasizing the Weimar Triangle's potential as a forum for cooperation and a source of ideas for the future of the European Union.

He voiced hope for an upcoming meeting in Paris to further discuss the situation in Ukraine.

Baerbock, during the conference, highlighted the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, now approaching its second anniversary. She commended the heroic resistance of Ukrainians in defending their country and European values, and assured continued support for Ukraine from both Germany and Poland.

Baerbock also pointed to Poland's early identification of the threat posed by Russia and reaffirmed that the security of Poland and the Baltic states is integral to overall European security.

"Today, it is clear to all of us - the security of Poland, the security of the Baltic states, is our security, the security of us all, and we defend this security together as allies in NATO," Baerbock said.

In addition, Baerbock mentioned discussions with Sikorski about the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of efforts to free Israeli hostages and alleviate suffering in Gaza.

She concluded by underscoring the necessity of a strong German-Polish friendship for a robust and increasingly eastward-focused Europe.

(rt/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP