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Polish PM Tusk proposes cooperative naval patrols for Baltic Sea security

28.11.2024 11:50
During the summit of the Baltic and Nordic countries, the head of the Polish government announced a plan to create joint missions in the Baltic Sea under the concept of "Navy Policing."
Harpsund, Sweden, November 27, 2024: Polish PM Donald Tusk (second from right), Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Stre (second from left), Latvian FM Baiba Braze (left), and Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson (right) at a press conference during the Nordic-Baltic summit, where PM Tusk took part in signing a strategic partnership agreement between Poland and Sweden.
Harpsund, Sweden, November 27, 2024: Polish PM Donald Tusk (second from right), Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre (second from left), Latvian FM Baiba Braze (left), and Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson (right) at a press conference during the Nordic-Baltic summit, where PM Tusk took part in signing a strategic partnership agreement between Poland and Sweden.PAP/Leszek Szymański

On Wednesday, Donald Tusk was a special guest at the summit of the heads of government from the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland) and the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), which form the so-called NB8 framework.

The leaders discussed transatlantic relations, regional security, Russia's war with Ukraine, and pledged to take on greater responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security.

Poland wants to patrol the Baltic Sea waters as part of a joint mission involving countries in the region

During his speech in Harpsund, Sweden, Prime Minister Tusk stated that after successful experiences with air policing, the time has come for the next step - navy policing.

This initiative would involve the implementation of joint patrols by forces overseeing vessels navigating nearby waters.

The proposed joint efforts by Nordic and Baltic countries, including Poland, in the Baltic Sea are intended to be a key element in ensuring security and protecting the region's strategic infrastructure.

Poland has also pledged to increase energy security in the area by boosting investments in offshore wind farms.

“The Nordic and Baltic countries are our biggest partners and allies, especially when it comes to defense and security […]. We also share the same assessment of the situation regarding the necessary use of strategic resources in the Baltic Sea,” emphasized the Polish Prime Minister.

He also pointed out the strategic importance of the region, which has recently become the stage for geopolitical changes.

PM Tusk meets with Norwegian and Swedish leaders to discuss strategic partnership

On Thursday morning, Donald Tusk concluded his meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

On the second day of his official visit to Sweden, Prime Minister Tusk also held talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The political leaders plan to sign a strategic partnership between Poland and Sweden.

Source: IAR/PAP/KPRM/X/@PremierRP/@SwedishPM

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