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We want close partnership with Poland: new German FM

PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk 16.03.2018 12:56
Germany’s new foreign minister said on Friday ahead of a trip to Warsaw that he wants “close partnership” with Poland, despite differences between the two neighbouring countries.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. Photo: EPA/RONALD WITTEK German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. Photo: EPA/RONALD WITTEK

Speaking before a trip on Friday to the Polish capital -- his second foreign visit, Heiko Maas said: "We are in favour of close partnership with Poland despite the different perspectives we [have] in several areas."

A new German government led by Chancellor Angela Merkel, who heads a coalition of her conservatives and the Social Democrats (SPD), was sworn in on Wednesday.

Maas, who hails from the SPD, said: "It is not possible to imagine Europe without reconciliation and friendship between Germans and Poles. That is why we bear responsibility for the unity of Europe.”

Maas added he would talk with Warsaw about how Germany, Poland and France could jointly contribute to the development of Europe.

While in Warsaw, Maas was to meet Polish President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz.

Differences causing tensions between Warsaw and Berlin in recent months include the issue of possible reparations for Poland from Germany for World War II.

Another bone of contention is the planned Nord Stream II gas pipeline between Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea. It would bypass Poland, Ukraine and other countries in the region.

Poland’s ruling conservatives were also vocal in criticising Merkel’s open-door policy to refugees during her previous term in office.

Merkel is to pay an official visit to Warsaw on Monday to hold talks with Morawiecki and Duda, public broadcaster Polish Radio reported.

(pk/gs)

Source: PAP

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