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Polish FM, US state secretary discuss Ukraine aid

09.12.2022 23:00
Poland's top diplomat Zbigniew Rau and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed further support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's war of aggression when they met in Washington on Friday, according to the foreign ministry in Warsaw.
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Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meet in Washington on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meet in Washington on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.Photo: Sebastian Indra/Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Rau and Blinken also talked about "efforts to further strengthen Polish-US relations" and "opportunities for humanitarian aid for Ukraine," the Polish foreign ministry said after the meeting.

It added that other topics included "the US involvement in NATO's eastern flank."

'Poland’s most important ally'

The Polish foreign ministry said in a tweet that "Poland and the United States have enjoyed a very strong relationship based on our shared history" and "common values."

It added: "In fact, the US is, and has always been, Poland’s most important ally."

'Safe skies over Ukraine'

Rau told reporters after the talks that he and Blinken "discussed the issue of safe skies over Ukraine" and "agreed that the priority now is" to ensure effective air defences for the country, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Rau said his talks with Blinken also touched on the "current and future" presence of US troops on NATO's eastern flank, including Poland.

'An increase in US troop presence in Poland cannot be ruled out'

He added that "an increase in US troop presence in Poland cannot be ruled out."

Meanwhile, Blinken said in a tweet he was "pleased to welcome Polish Foreign MinisteZbigniew Rau back to Washington" on Friday.

"We deeply value Poland’s leadership and close coordination as we strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank and stand together with Ukraine," Blinken added.

'Poland’s leadership role in humanitarian and security assistance to Ukraine'

The US State Department said in a statement that Blinken and Rau "discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including Poland’s leadership role in humanitarian and security assistance to Ukraine and opportunities to advance energy security, mutual prosperity, and our shared values."

The statement added that the two top diplomats underscored "the strength of NATO’s bonds" and "emphasized the importance of the Alliance continuing to stay in close coordination as we support Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing aggression."

Friday was day 289 of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: PAP, state.gov/state.gov

Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.