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Polish, Japanese PMs discuss support for Ukraine, countering Russian aggression

22.03.2023 12:30
The Polish prime minister met with his Japanese counterpart in Warsaw on Wednesday and said afterwards that Poland and Japan "think alike about peace, stability and freedom" and "must cooperate very closely" to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression.
Audio
Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki (right) and Japan Fumio Kishida (left) meet in Warsaw on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki (right) and Japan’ Fumio Kishida (left) meet in Warsaw on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Poland’s Mateusz Morawiecki hosted Japan’s Fumio Kishida in Warsaw on Wednesday morning, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

The two leaders discussedsupport for Ukraine and Polish-Japanese economic and investment relations,” according to officials.

Support for Ukraine, countering 'Russian imperialism' 

At a joint news conference with his guest afterwards, the Polish prime minister said: “Our countries are situated on either side of Russia, but we are perfectly aware of the threat to global peace and international order that is posed by Russian imperialism.”

Morawiecki thanked Kishida for his "solidarity trip" to Ukraine on Tuesday.

He said: “I thank Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for his visit to Kyiv. It is clear proof and a symbol of support for Ukraine in maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity, defending freedom and democracy.”

'New geopolitical order is being born before our eyes'

The Polish prime minister warned that “a new geopolitical order is being born before our eyes.” He added: “States that think alike about peace, stability and freedom must cooperate very closely, just like Poland and Japan.”

Addressing his Japanese counterpart, Morawiecki said: “I want to thank you, Fumio Kishida, for your personal involvement in close cooperation with Poland.”

'We are seeking to persuade China not to support Russia'

The Polish prime minister described Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow this week as “worrying,” adding that “the China-Moscow axis is dangerous.”

He said: “We are seeking to persuade China not to support Russia in its aggressive international policy.”

Morawecki warned that “a period of fast growth” was being endangered by “a change in the global order.”

He stated: “That’s why it’s so important that Poland and Japan work as closely together as before to counter various instances of aggressive policy.”

Poland, Japan 'strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation'

Morawiecki also praised business and investment ties between Poland and Japan.

He told reporters: “Not so long ago, I participated in the opening of another technologically advanced investment of a Japanese company in Poland. There are many such companies and they create new jobs.”

The Polish prime minister declared: “This economic, business and investment cooperation is developing splendidly.”

In summary, Morawiecki stated: “I am glad that Poland and Japan are strengthening their ties of friendship and cooperation. I am sure that this will contribute to the restoration of stability and freedom in Ukraine, as well as economic, geopolitical and energy stability for the whole world.”   

'Severe sanctions on Russia,' support for Ukraine: Japanese PM

Meanwhile, Japan’s Kishida thanked Poland for its “frontline role” as “a hub for military and humanitarian support to Ukraine,” the PAP news agency reported.

He said that due to the growing burden on Poland related to Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine, Japan had decided to grant Poland “special treatment,” making it eligible for development aid, even though it is now a developed country.

The Japanese prime minister also said that, in order to put an end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as soon as possible, “it is important that like-minded countries, including Poland, stay united, continuing to impose severe sanctions on Russia and providing support to Ukraine.”

Kishida announced that he and Morawiecki “confirmed a further strengthening of the strategic partnership between Poland and Japan, in many areas, including security, business and energy,” the PAP news agency reported.

Wednesday is day 392 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, tvp.info

Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.