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Polish, Estonian PMs discuss security, regional issues

11.12.2024 14:30
The prime ministers of Poland and Estonia met in Warsaw on Wednesday to discuss pressing political issues and security concerns.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and his Estonian counterpart Kristen Michal (left) during a joint press conference following their meeting in Warsaw on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and his Estonian counterpart Kristen Michal (left) during a joint press conference following their meeting in Warsaw on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.PAP/Radek Pietruszka

During a joint press conference, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that he will visit Ukraine early next year, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Poland at a later date in connection with Poland's upcoming presidency of the European Union.

"The Baltic Defense Line and the Polish Eastern Shield will also be complemented by our active efforts in defending cyberspace," said Tusk during his meeting with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

Michal told reporters that Poland and Estonia are effectively collaborating in response to Russia's hybrid actions and also highlighted projects aimed at improving regional integration, such as the Rail Baltica railway line.

He argued that NATO countries need to spend at least 2.5 percent of their GDP on defense. He said his own country allocated more than 2 percent of its GDP for this purpose in 2022.

Additionally, Michal spoke about existing gaps in critical defense capabilities, such as air defense and ammunition production, which he said must be addressed quickly.

On his first official visit to Poland, Michal also took time to tour Warsaw's Old Town, where he admired the neighborhood's towering Christmas tree and unique holiday decorations.

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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@KristenMichalPM/@PremierRP