The Polish delegation, led by Prime Minister Beata Szydło, were expected to discuss issues such as the functioning of the EU and the bloc’s relations with NATO.
The ministers were also expected to discuss the situation of Poles living and working in Britain after that country’s June referendum vote to leave the European Union, according to Polish government spokesman Rafał Bochenek.
'New chapter'
Szydło said the talks in London marked a new chapter in relations between Warsaw and London, telling public broadcaster TVP Info that Britain “is remaining in Europe; it remains a strong country with which you have to have good relations."
In an article published in Britain’s The Daily Telegraph on Monday, Szydło said Poland was “saddened, probably more than any other country, with the result of the British referendum.”
Szydło added: “For us, Brexit means that supporters of reforming the EU into a more economically pragmatic organisation will soon lose an important strategic partner. But we understand and respect this decision.”
Among those taking part in Monday's talks with their British counterparts were Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Development and Finance Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski, Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz and Interior Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.
Strengthening bilateral relations with Britain was named by Waszczykowski as a priority after the Law and Justice (PiS) party swept to power in Poland a year ago.
While Poland regularly holds such talks with countries such as Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands, it has never before conducted full-fledged intergovernmental consultations with Britain, Waszczykowski said earlier.
Tribute to Polish airmen
Shortly after the arrival of the Polish delegation in London, Szydło and British Prime Minister Theresa May laid wreaths at a monument to Polish airmen who fought in the Battle of Britain during World War II.
On Monday afternoon, official talks were scheduled to take place at government offices at 10 Downing St. (pk/str)
Source: PAP, The Telegraph, IAR, Polish Radio