Poland recognised as model ally at NATO meeting, FM says
Poland is being widely regarded as an exemplary ally at the ongoing North Atlantic Council meeting in Ankara, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists before the meeting concluded, Sikorski said that although the summit was still underway, Poland had received prominent recognition as "a model ally," reflected in the frequency with which Polish representatives had been invited to contribute to the discussions.
The deputy prime minister also said he had participated in a meeting of the E5 group, comprising Poland, Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, joined by representatives of Turkey and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Sikorski added that he had attended a meeting of what he described as the United States' "main industrial partners," alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks focused on joint arms production projects, as well as technological and financial challenges.
He said he had also held bilateral talks with Rubio, during which they discussed critical raw materials. Referring to a US-hosted conference on the issue held in February, Sikorski said the next conference would most likely take place in Poland.
"I would remind you that Poland is a global player in the copper and silver markets, which are also strategic materials," he said.
Speaking to Turkey's Anadolu news agency on the sidelines of the summit, Sikorski said that if all NATO members followed the example of Poland and Turkey, the alliance would be as strong as it was during the Cold War.
He said NATO countries should deepen cooperation, particularly in the defence industry, the development of new military technologies and military coordination.
"I hope that by the end of this summit we will be convinced that we need mutual support for our industries in order to increase production," Sikorski said. (PAP)
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