Polish President Andrzej Duda and the new President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel discussed the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and bilateral relations on Thursday 16 March in Warsaw.
“I hope that we will cooperate closely, building the best possible Polish-Czech relations, also within the formats of NATO, the European Union, the Trimarium Initiative and the Bucharest Nine”, said Andrzej Duda during the presidents’ joint meeting with journalists.
The Polish president stressed that the Polish side greatly appreciates the fact that Warsaw is the second capital city, after Bratislava, in which Petr Pavel is paying a visit.
“This is an important sign of direction for us in building good neighbourly relations. We are proud that you have chosen Warsaw a week after your swearing-in”, stated Andrzej Duda.
The main topics of conversation between the presidents of Poland and the Czech Republic included the military security of the region, with the necessity of strengthening the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance in the context of the war in Ukraine and a common position on this issue in connection with the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. The next steps in aiding Ukraine against the Russian invasion were also discussed.
“Poland and the Czech Republic are in the absolute vanguard when it comes to humanitarian and military support for Ukraine. The policy of support for Ukraine is very strong there”, said Andrzej Duda.
There was also a discussion about energy security in the perspective of the development of the gas network and the possibility of ensuring future supplies from Polish gas ports to the Czech Republic.
Andrzej Duda and Petr Pavel also raised the issue of cooperation between border regions, e.g. in the field of tourism and road communication, as well as the prospects for the development of high-speed rail links between Poland and the Czech Republic.
On Friday, President Pavel will meet with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and visit the European Border Agency Frontex.
Adrian Andrzejewski