Mariusz Błaszczak announced the planned arrival of the vessel at a media briefing in Rome on Wednesday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The Polish defence minister was visiting the Italian capital for talks with his counterpart Guido Crosetto, according to officials.
The Polish and Italian defence ministers discussed “bilateral military relations, including the modernisation of the Polish Army, the current security situation in view of the continuing conflict in Ukraine, and further support for Kyiv’s war effort against the Russian invasion,” reporters were told.
Błaszczak and Crosetto also talked about the agenda for the July summit of the NATO alliance in Vilnius, Lithuania, the PAP news agency reported.
Poland, Italy ‘working very closely’ on defence
Błaszczak, who is also a Polish deputy prime minister, said in a statement afterwards: “We are working very closely with our Italian partners. Italian soldiers are serving shoulder to shoulder with Polish troops in Latvia, as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. Polish soldiers are also serving on a European Union mission in Sicily, so our cooperation is very good.”
He added: “Some of Italy’s F-35 fighter jets were in Poland last year and we can also expect them this year. This shows the scope of our cooperation.”
Italian missile destroyer will 'strengthen defence of Polish coast'
Błaszczak said: “I am very happy about Italy’s decision to send a guided-missile destroyer to Poland. It will be heavily armed for anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence, to strengthen the defence of the Polish coast. This vessel will arrive in Poland in the next few days.”
While in Rome, Błaszczak also laid flowers at the tomb of the late Polish-born Pope John Paul II in the Vatican, according to officials.
He then attended a Holy Mass for Peace in the Polish Chapel of St. Peter’s Basilica, the PAP news agency reported.
Błaszczak also met with Polish scouts and soldiers serving on an EU mission in Italy, officials said.
Thursday is day 449 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, gov.pl
