Russia a key threat to peace: Polish Defence Minister
PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk
28.01.2016 18:11
Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said on Thursday after meeting his German counterpart their two countries agree that Russia is a key threat to peace in Europe.
Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz and his German counterpart Ursula von der Leyen in Berlin. Photo: EPA/BERND VON JUTRCZENKA
"The Polish side emphasized the risks that are associated with Russian aggression against Ukraine and the threats that arise from the Russian Federation to security in Europe, the Baltic states in particular," Macierewicz told reporters after meeting German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen in Berlin.
Macierewicz added: "We agreed without much trouble that we share the opinion that this is the greatest challenge to peace in Europe."
Macierewicz said that "in order to arrive at a common position" further talks would take place with Germany about strengthening NATO’s presence on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Germany opposes permanently stationing large units of NATO combat troops in Central and Eastern Europe, arguing that would violate Russia's 1997 agreement with the Western military alliance.
Stepping up NATO's presence in the region is a key goal for Poland as it prepares to host a July summit of the alliance in Warsaw. (pk)
Source: PAP