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Poland, Ukraine reaffirm strong ties at talks in Warsaw

28.03.2024 18:30
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal reaffirmed what they called a strong bond between their two countries following a meeting in Warsaw on Thursday.
Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and Ukraines Denys Shmyhal (left) meet in Warsaw on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and Ukraine's Denys Shmyhal (left) meet in Warsaw on Thursday, March 28, 2024.Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

The meeting was the culmination of hundreds of hours of talks and negotiations at various levels on subjects ranging from military cooperation to trade issues, and energy policies to protection of cultural heritage, Tusk said at a joint news conference alongside Shmyhal.

As both countries navigate the challenges posed by Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and broader regional tensions, Thursday's talks in Warsaw underscored mutual solidarity between Poland and Ukraine, Tusk and Shmyhal told reporters.

Tusk emphasized that, despite some differences, the relationship between the two nations remains strong, unified against common threats.

"One of the greatest treasures of Polish politics is that no matter who governs, when it comes to helping Ukraine, nothing and no one can divide the Polish people," said Tusk, and added: "We are together and will be together in this dramatic situation in our shared history."

Shmyhal expressed Ukraine's gratitude towards Poland for its unwavering support during Russia's ongoing invasion.

He pointed to what he said was a strategic alliance between the two countries, rooted in shared values and objectives, and working for a secure and prosperous Europe, free from Russian imperialism.

The Ukrainian prime minister acknowledged Poland's role in supporting Ukraine's military needs and its path towards European Union and NATO membership, signifying a deep, multifaceted partnership.

A substantial part of the conversation covered the issue of ongoing arms supplies for Ukraine, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

"We need more weapons and we are working on it," Shmyhal said.

"We assume that joint defense manufacturing facilities will be established in Poland and Ukraine," he added. "This is an armored coalition, and we are very grateful for the formation of this coalition."

The creation of such an "armored coalition" was announced earlier this month by Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, after a meeting with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius.

The initiative aims to increase the defensive capabilities of the Ukrainian army.

On Thursday, the Polish and Ukrainian leaders also discussed ways of addressing the challenge posed by Ukrainian transport operators to Polish counterparts, in an effort to create a level playing field in the sector.

This discussion follows recent protests by Polish carriers demanding commercial permits for Ukrainian firms, excluding humanitarian aid and military supply transport.

One of the notable outcomes of Thursday's meeting was Poland's move towards imposing a 50-percent tariff on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, a step seen as a result of Poland's diplomatic offensive in this matter.

This measure aims to protect Polish and Ukrainian food producers from unfair competition, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

(rt/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP