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Radosław Sikorski returns as Poland's top diplomat

13.12.2023 14:00
Former top diplomat Radosław Sikorski returned to the post of Poland's foreign minister after the country's new Cabinet, under Donald Tusk, was sworn into office on Wednesday.
Radosław Sikorski is sworn in as Polands foreign minister in Warsaw on December 13.
Radosław Sikorski is sworn in as Poland's foreign minister in Warsaw on December 13.X/Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In an early statement to the media, Sikorski said that "diplomacy is Poland's first line of defence" amid Russia's war in Ukraine and an "uncertain situation in the West."

Sikorski added that his priority in office would be to "strengthen Poland's national security," and mend relations with "allies and the European Union," public broadcaster Polish Radio's IAR news agency reported.

He told reporters that he would seek to "ensure that Poland rises in the hierarchy of nations."

The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, congratulated Sikorski on his reappointment on social media.

Borrell wrote on the X platform: "I look forward to welcoming you to the Foreign Affairs Council and working together to address the challenges we are facing and advance EU foreign policy."

Sikorski served as Poland's foreign minister in Tusk's previous Cabinets from 2007 to 2014.

On Wednesday morning, President Andrzej Duda swore in Tusk's new government during a high-profile ceremony in the presidential palace, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

The swearing-in ceremony came after parliament gave its vote of confidence to Tusk and his team of ministers on Tuesday night.

The new government was formed after a bloc of parties led by Tusk's liberal Civic Coalition (KO) stormed to power with a strong showing in Poland's October 15 parliamentary elections.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAPwnp.pl