Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his visiting Lithuanian counterpart Inga Ruginienė met to discuss regional security and defence cooperation, support for Ukraine, migration policy, and the situation of the Polish minority in Lithuania, according to officials.
"Coordination between Poland and Lithuania, particularly when it comes to present and possible future provocations from Russia, is absolutely necessary," Tusk said at a joint news conference.
"Our countries are the most exposed to direct Russian hostile acts," he added.
Tusk said the two governments shared the same position on Russia’s war in Ukraine and highlighted strategic projects such as the Rail Baltica railway, which he said would benefit citizens while also strengthening regional security.
Tusk told reporters there was “full mutual understanding” on migration between Warsaw and Vilnius, with both capitals facing pressure from Minsk and Moscow.
"We understand that our task is to effectively counter illegal migration orchestrated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin,” he said.
Ruginienė, who took office last month, said she proposed regular joint government meetings to exchange views on geopolitical developments.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
She described Poland as Lithuania’s “strategic partner” and said the partnership was reflected in “concrete actions,” including Poland’s role in NATO air policing missions and joint economic projects.
The Lithuanian leader pledged her government would do everything possible to help Ukraine secure victory over Russia.
Tusk said the talks also touched on the Polish minority in Lithuania, adding that he welcomed Ruginienė’s “understanding of the issue” and was confident both sides could resolve any concerns “calmly and without emotions.”
The news conference had a lighter moment when Tusk said Ruginienė had invited him to attend Sunday’s World Cup qualifier between Poland and Lithuania in Kaunas. He also praised her son’s football talent, joking that if he had such ability, he "would have chosen soccer over politics."
Inga Ruginienė and Donald Tusk. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
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Source: IAR, PAP