Defence Secretary Ben Wallace met his Polish counterpart Minister for National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak in London yesterday (Monday 7 February). Discussions focused on the response of NATO Allies to the unfolding crisis on Ukraine’s border with Russia and the wider implications for European security.
The meeting follows a series of diplomatic talks undertaken by UK ministers to de-escalate tensions in Eastern Europe, including visits by the Defence Secretary to The Netherlands, NATO HQ, Germany, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia in recent weeks.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
Poland is one of our oldest allies. As strong partners in NATO and Europe we will both stand firm on protecting the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine and NATO’s open door policy.
Meeting with Mariusz Błaszczak today, we discussed our concerns for European security and the need for sustained dialogue with the Russian government in order to promote stability and the de-escalation of Russian military forces on the border of Ukraine.
The Defence Secretary confirmed that 350 Royal Marines from 45 Commando will deploy to Poland in the coming days. They will support the Polish Armed Forces with joint exercises, contingency planning and capacity building in the face of ongoing tensions on the Ukrainian border. This support is being offered on a bilateral basis and is not part of the UK’s offer to NATO.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace met Minister Błaszczak in Poland late last year, where they agreed a Statement of Intent which will see the UK and Poland share pioneering technology to develop Poland’s future Ground-Based Air Defence System.
In addition, the UK has a Light Cavalry Squadron of 150 personnel currently based in Poland under NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence where personnel train with NATO forces on a regular basis. In December, the UK deployed 140 Armed Forces engineers in response to the pressures from irregular migration at the Belarus border. They are expected to remain on task until April.
Poland and the UK are investing in improving capabilities and modernising our Armed Forces, exceeding NATO’s Defence spending target. The relationship between our nations is strong and our forces operate side by side on land, at sea and in the air.
Later this week, the Defence Secretary is expected to travel to Moscow to further diplomatic discussions with his Russian counterpart.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Defence Secretary meets NATO Allies to reaffirm UK commitment to European security: Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has met with NATO Allies and defence counterparts in Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia to strengthen the Allied response to the unfolding...
European Investment Bank (EIB) to pledge 500 million euro under partnership launched by WHO, European Investment Bank (EIB) with the support of the European Union (EU) for stronger and more resilient health systems in Africa: We as the heads of our respective institutions the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) (www.EIB.org), in close cooperation with the...
Ministry of Defence to host inaugural gathering of International Defence Industry, Technology and Security Conference, in Abu Dhabi: Ministry of Defence to host inaugural gathering of International Defence Industry, Technology and Security Conference, in Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI, 25th February, 2022 – Under...
NATO Defence Ministers to address European security, Russia’s military build-up: On Wednesday (16 February 2022), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg previewed the meeting of Allied Defence Ministers today and tomorrow. The Secretary General said that...
UK and Nigeria strengthen security and defence partnership to tackle terrorism and build regional security: New commitments made this week at the first ever UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership dialogue will boost work to tackle shared threats and keep both...
Diplomatic Dispute at Warsaw Airport: South African President’s Security Team Accuses Polish Authorities of Endangering Life and Racism: …By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) responsible for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s security, has expressed strong...
Defence Headquarters Denies Coup Allegations, Reiterates Commitment to Democracy: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has responded to recent reports that suggested the Nigerian Military was approached to orchestrate a coup against the country’s democratic government....
Abdullah bin Zayed, Finnish counterpart discuss fostering ties: Abdullah bin Zayed, Finnish counterpart discuss fostering ties ABU DHABI, 11th February, 2022 – H. H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign...
Sharjah Chamber, Cuban counterpart discuss boosting trade and economic cooperation: Sharjah Chamber, Cuban counterpart discuss boosting trade and economic cooperation SHARJAH, 17th February, 2022 – The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has discussed...
CBUAE Governor discusses cooperation with Turkish counterpart: CBUAE Governor discusses cooperation with Turkish counterpart ABU DHABI, 17th February, 2022 – Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE),...