UK, Poland sign defence treaty to deter hostile threats
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, signed a new defence and security treaty in London on Wednesday in a bid to deter potential aggressors.
Ahead of his departure for London, Tusk said the treaty will elevate Polish-British relations to the highest diplomatic level. He also added, at that time, that the agreement would establish a framework for closer military and defence cooperation, including practical measures to counter direct threats such as cybercrime, disinformation and illegal migration.
According to Starmer's office, the treaty includes provisions for the joint production of next-generation middle-range air defence missiles, large-scale military exercises with a special focus on utilising and countering uncrewed systems.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Polish leader said the agreement's political significance lies in strengthening solidarity within Europe, NATO and the broader transatlantic alliance.
Starmer described the pact as the biggest advance in Polish-British defence and security cooperation in a generation. Both leaders also identified Russia as the primary threat to peace and security in the NATO alliance.
The treaty follows a similar pact Poland signed with France last year, while another agreement with Germany is expected to be signed in June. (PAP)
aj/wpb/jch
