"The conversation, which began with congratulations on taking up the post, covered the current situation in Ukraine, the prospects of NATO enlargement, and the escalating situation in the Middle East," according to the Polish foreign ministry.
"The new NATO Secretary General thanked Poland for its efforts to support Ukraine and noted the urgent need to reinforce Ukraine’s air defence systems and enhance the logistics of Ukrainian armed forces," the Polish foreign ministry said in a statement.
It added that "both politicians agreed that Russian missiles and drones violating borders of a NATO country, which are beyond the control of the Russian army, are becoming a problem."
Speaking about the conflict in the Middle East, Rutte "focused on the numerous military contingents from NATO member states and NATO candidate countries deployed to the conflict area, for which the current situation could be a threat," the statement said.
"On behalf of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Minister Sikorski invited the new NATO Secretary General to visit Warsaw," the Polish foreign ministry also said.
Rutte said on the X social media platform that he and Sikorski spoke about "continued support" for Ukraine.
"Poland is a key NATO ally, with a critical role in defending our eastern flank and supporting Ukraine," he wrote in his post.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Thursday is day 954 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, gov.pl