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Polish FM, US state secretary discuss Ukraine aid

14.12.2023 09:00
Poland's newly appointed top diplomat Radosław Sikorski and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have discussed further support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's war of aggression, according to the foreign ministry in Warsaw.
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Image:Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Polish foreign ministry said in a post on the X platform that Sikorski on Wednesday spoke with Blinken, "who congratulated him on his reinstatement and expressed hope for a meeting in Washington soon."

The post added that Sikorski "addressed the need for Western unity in the face of Russia's aggressive activities."

'Strong commitment to advancing US-Poland partnership'

The US State Department said in a statement that Blinken on Wednesday spoke with Sikorski, congratulating him on his appointment as Poland's foreign minister.

The statement added that Blinken "expressed his strong commitment to advancing the U.S.-Poland partnership, based on our shared history and transatlantic values."

Blinken also "welcomed Poland’s ongoing assistance to Ukraine and its people, continued bilateral defense and civil nuclear energy cooperation, and dedication to the NATO Alliance," according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

On his first day in office, Sikorski also held talks with his counterparts from Lithuania, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Moldova to discuss "the prospects of bilateral cooperation," including within the European Union, "as well as support for Ukraine," the Polish foreign ministry said.

A new Polish government led by Donald Tusk was sworn into office on Wednesday, ending eight years of rule by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.

The swearing-in ceremony at the presidential palace in Warsaw came after parliament gave its vote of confidence to Tusk and his team of ministers on Tuesday night.

Radosław Sikorski has taken charge as Poland's new foreign minister following a swearing-in ceremony at the presidential palace in Warsaw on Wednesday. Radosław Sikorski takes charge as Poland's new foreign minister. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

The new government was formed after a bloc of parties led by Tusk's liberal Civic Coalition (KO) stormed to power with a strong showing in Poland's October 15 parliamentary elections.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II.

Thursday is day 659 of Russias war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: PAP, state.gov