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Polish FM hosts UK counterpart, reaffirms strong bilateral ties

07.07.2024 16:45
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski hosted his newly appointed British counterpart, David Lammy, on Sunday at Sikorski's residence in Chobielin-Dwór, near Bydgoszcz, northern Poland.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (right) and British Foreign Minister David Lindon Lammy (left) during a press conference following their meeting in Chobielin, northern Poland,  July 7.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (right) and British Foreign Minister David Lindon Lammy (left) during a press conference following their meeting in Chobielin, northern Poland, July 7.Photo: PAP/Tytus Żmijewski

Poland was included in Lammy's itinerary for his first foreign trip since assuming office, highlighting the enduring strength of Polish-British relations, according to both officials. 

At a joint press conference following the talks, Sikorski said: "Poland and the United Kingdom share a deep bond, regardless of the governing parties in either country."

He added: "Our nations concur on numerous global security challenges, particularly the necessity of sustained support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression."

Sikorski announced an imminent bilateral security cooperation agreement between Poland and Ukraine, mirroring similar commitments by the UK and other G7 nations.

"We aim to demonstrate to Vladimir Putin that he cannot divide us. We stand as the most powerful alliance in history, with Ukraine's fate being of vital interest to us," he declared. 

Sikorski congratulated the Labour Party on their decisive victory in the recent UK parliamentary elections.

During the conference, both ministers expressed aligned expectations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.

"We anticipate reaffirmation of our long-term policy of supporting Ukraine," Sikorski said, emphasizing the importance of "mutual security guarantees through the persistent presence of NATO forces on the eastern flank where threats are most acute."

Both ministers reiterated their commitment to close cooperation on various fronts, reflecting a shared vision for addressing global challenges, including Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

David Lammy highlighted the new UK government's intent to reset relations with Europe under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Lammy emphasized the UK's commitment to European security and bilateral projects with the EU.

"We want to double down on our commitment to Ukraine and of course European security, including through joint bilateral projects," he said.

He mentioned a focus on a security pact between the UK and the EU in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, adding that there were numerous potential areas of cooperation, including climate, energy and migration.

Lammy expressed concern over the use of Iranian drones and North Korean missiles in Ukraine and Russia's alliances with other authoritarian regimes.

He remarked: "We are in a tough geopolitical moment, where the world is more dangerous than when I entered politics 25 years ago. Of course there will be differences of opinion in mature democracies, but we should never confuse that with the dangers that face us from authoritarian states."

Lammy also pointed out the joint efforts on climate and energy projects.

"Working together on accelerating the net-zero transition through joint climate and energy projects, recognizing that we both have very high levels of ambitions on renewables," he said.

Addressing the conflict in Gaza, Lammy stressed the UK's call for a ceasefire and the need for increased diplomatic efforts.

He emphasized the importance of freeing hostages and delivering aid to those affected in Gaza, particularly women and children.

(ał)

Source: PAP, IAR