Speaking to Poland’s PAP news agency, France's AFP and Germany's DPA, Sikorski said that the offer was extended so that Nawrocki "can get up to speed and familiarise himself with the government's position"— which, Sikorski stressed, the president is constitutionally obliged to represent.
Asked whether he had spoken with the president-elect at a recent National Security Council meeting, Sikorski said the two had only shaken hands and he offered brief congratulations to the president-elect.
The minister also responded to comments made a day earlier by outgoing President Andrzej Duda, who expressed confidence that Nawrocki would continue his policies on Ukraine.
"Things look different from the vantage point of the presidency," Duda said in The Hague, adding that the role gave a "unique perspective."
Nawrocki, who is due to take office later this summer, had stated on the campaign trail that he would oppose Ukraine joining NATO and would not agree to Polish troops being deployed to Ukraine.
Sikorski suggested those views may shift with the responsibilities of office.
'Broad consensus' on Ukraine
“On Ukraine, Eastern policy and defence, there is in fact broad consensus across the main political forces, including between the government and the presidency," he said.
"I thank President Duda for making clear to the president-elect that the international situation and Poland’s interests differ somewhat from how they may appear in an election campaign,” he added.
The foreign minister was also asked about the ongoing tensions with Duda over ambassadorial appointments.
On Wednesday, the president's office confirmed it had received documents from the foreign ministry requesting the dismissal of three ambassadors: Jakub Kumoch (China), Adam Kwiatkowski (Vatican), and Paweł Soloch (Romania).
All three are former close associates of Duda, with past roles in his office and, in Soloch’s case, the National Security Bureau.
At a press conference following the NATO summit, Duda said he had spoken directly with Sikorski and was hopeful an agreement could be reached.
He added that he had taken the opportunity to “clarify” certain issues with the minister.
Sikorski confirmed that discussions with the president's office over the three ambassadors had been ongoing for several weeks.
“I believe the change of stance came after the presidential election result, but I still hope we can reach an understanding,” he said, adding that he preferred not to comment publicly on staffing decisions.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP