Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna on Wednesday highlighted the partnership between their nations, emphasizing common objectives in the face of regional challenges.
During a joint press conference in Warsaw, Sikorski underlined the importance of security and energy as foundational elements of the dialogue between Poland and Estonia in the context of Eastern European politics.
He praised Estonia as one of Poland's closest allies and partners, stressing the two countries' aligned goals and interests.
Sikorski also pointed to Poland's ongoing contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission, with Polish pilots recently beginning their 12th rotation from the Amari base in Estonia.
Tsahkna told reporters that the two nations "share the same understanding of history, as well as of the future."
In a show of solidarity and shared strategic interests, the ministers voiced strong support for Ukraine, advocating for the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and emphasizing the need for continued sanctions against Russia to weaken its military capabilities.
They called for legal, financial and economic consequences for Russia's actions, demonstrating a unified stance in support of Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression.
Sikorski and Tsahkna discussed the urgent need for the European Union to begin accession negotiations with Ukraine and for increased cooperation between Ukraine and NATO, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
They highlighted the importance of the upcoming NATO summit in Washington for advancing these goals.
Tsahkna, expressing satisfaction with the deepening Polish-Estonian relations, emphasized the shared historical and future perspectives of the two nations. He thanked Poland for its engagement in the Air Policing mission and stressed the necessity for Ukraine's membership in NATO and the EU.
In response to questions about the threat from Russia and comments by former US President Donald Trump regarding NATO protection, both ministers underscored the resilience and determination of their countries.
Sikorski critiqued the notion of NATO as "a mere security company" and called on international leaders to use their influence to support Ukraine and ensure continued assistance from the United States.
Tsahkna voiced the view that the Baltic states have a limited time horizon of a few years to prepare for what he called "Russia's test of NATO."
Earlier this week, Russia placed Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on a wanted list, apparently due to Estonia's efforts to remove Soviet-era memorials from public spaces.
Wednesday's meeting between Sikorski and Tsahkna underscored the strategic alignment and cooperation between Poland and Estonia, particularly in supporting Ukraine and strengthening regional security against Russian aggression, officials said.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP
Click on the audio player above for a report by Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek.