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Polish defence minister to discuss arms deals, Ukraine on US visit

20.04.2022 09:30
Poland's defence minister is scheduled to discuss bilateral military deals and the security of NATO's eastern flank during a three-day visit to the United States amid Russia's war in Ukraine.
Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.
Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The itinerary of Mariusz Błaszczak's trip stateside includes talks with US Secretary of DefensLloyd Austin in Washington on Wednesday.

The talks are expected to focus on "Polish-US military cooperation, the security situation on NATO's eastern flank and in Europe, steps to deepen the interoperability of troops, and America's military presence in Poland," the Polish defence ministry said in a statement.

Błaszczak's visit to America on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday also includes meetings with representatives for the US arms industry, according to officials.

Poland’s government this month signed a USD 4.74 billion deal to buy 250 Abrams battle tanks from the United States in what officials hailed as a key step in boosting the country’s defences amid Russia's war against Ukraine.

Poland expects to increase its defence spending to at least 3 percent of GDP starting next year under a homeland defence law signed by President Andrzej Duda last month.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP