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Polish PM warns of ‘appropriate response’ after Russia closes consular agency in Smolensk

14.07.2023 15:00
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned on Friday that his country "will respond appropriately" if Russia proceeds with the closure of Polish diplomatic missions amid prolonged tensions between the two neighbours.
The headquarters of the Polish Consular Agency in Smolensk, western Russia.
The headquarters of the Polish Consular Agency in Smolensk, western Russia.PAP/Wojciech Pacewicz

Morawiecki's statement came in response to an announcement by the authorities in Moscow of an impending closure of a Polish consular agency in Smolensk, western Russia.

According to a document posted on the Russian government's official website, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved the Russian foreign ministry's proposal to shut down the Polish consular office in Smolensk and revoke the permission to establish the mission.

During a press conference on Friday, Poland's Morawiecki addressed the move and stated: "If it eventually comes to the point where Russia starts closing our diplomatic posts, we will respond appropriately."

Morawiecki said there were recurring reports of "aggressive Russian diplomatic actions and various provocations."

He emphasized that Poland remained in constant communication with its diplomats stationed in Russia "to support Polish citizens residing in or traveling to the country," Polish state news agency PAP reported.

(jh/gs)

Source: PAP