The agreement, under which at least 1,000 extra American troops are expected to be stationed in Poland, “strengthens the security of Poland and the entire eastern flank of NATO,” Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said.
According to Błaszczak, “Poland is becoming one of the most important partners of the United States in the military sense” thanks to the deal, PAP reported.
“This agreement will cement Polish-American relations”, he added.
On Monday, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda ratified the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in a ceremony at the presidential palace in Warsaw, in the presence of officials from both countries.
The deal, signed by the two countries in August, had long been sought by Poland, a staunch US military ally fearful of Russia. Around 4,500 American troops are already stationed in Poland on a rotating basis.
The agreement follows a declaration by US President Donald Trump and Poland’s Andrzej Duda in which America pledged last year to station around 1,000 extra troops in Poland.
(jh/pk)
Source: PAP