Poland has become a player on international arena: foreign minister

Just over a year after the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party came to power, Witold Waszczykowski told MPs: “Instead of standing on the sidelines and cheering on the main players, we have ourselves entered the game on the international arena."

Waszczykowski said that “there is no conflict" between active efforts to secure Poland’s interests and concern about the future of a united Europe, the security of its borders and strong ties with the US.

The foreign minister told MPs that Polish policy priorities for this year would include security and "repairing the EU."

"A priority for this government is repairing the European Union, not dismantling it. A return to a Europe of national egoisms would be just as harmful as utopias of integration not rooted in the social and political realities of our continent."

'Poland has become more secure'

Despite an uncertain international situation, "after 12 months, we can confidently say that Poland has become more secure," Waszczykowski said, summing up Poland’s diplomatic efforts.

He said Warsaw is engaged in initiatives aimed at increasing Polish, regional, European and global security, taking part in NATO missions and in a global anti-terrorist coalition.

Supporting Poles abroad

He noted that Poland is strengthening its diplomatic presence around the world with a view to helping Polish companies expand.

The foreign minister also mentioned Poles living abroad. "We are building partnerships with them, we support education for Poles abroad and the teaching of the Polish language. When necessary, we act in defence of their rights as citizens."

Polish President Andrzej Duda said after Waszczykowski’s speech: "Without a doubt, we are strengthening our position in the region and without a doubt we are strengthening our position in the European Union."

(pk)

Source: PAP