Polish Defence Minister Visits Belgium: “We would like to support NATO in all of the fields of the alliance’s activity.”

According to the information released by the Polish Ministry of Defence, the Macierewicz’s visit to Mons began with a conversation with General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), during which Polish Defence Minister thanked NATO for taking into consideration the Polish point of view pertaining to the plans related to reinforcement of the Eastern Flank. At the same time, Minister noted that without presence of a relevant multinational NATO component, the defence would not be effective. Breedlove appreciated the Polish involvement in the works concerning the plan related to reinforcement of the Eastern Flank, stressing the role taken by the Szczecin-based Multinational Corps North East, within the scope of creating the realistic deterrence potential. General also thanked for involvement offered by the Polish officers working at SHAPE.

After the meeting with SACEUR, Macierewicz met the Polish soldiers working at SHAPE. I am stunned with what you are doing.I want to thank you, on behalf of the government led by PM Beata Szydło, for your effort and for your continuous work.I want also to thank you for being able to carry out the tasks laid out in front of you, and for your ability to represent the Polish Army properly. (...). I hope that your service will still be realized with the same level of passion and determination – As Minister Macierewicz stated during the meeting.

In the Afternoon, Macierewicz met the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.

After all of the talks came to an end, Minister Antoni Macierewicz told the journalists that it is too early to announce the specifics, however, he stressed the fact that almost all of the Polish postulates may become a part of reality.

I am satisfied with the talks and the meeting with Secretary General. On one hand, we have a guarantee that the NATO Summit is going to be well prepared, organisation-wise. On the other hand, within most of aspects, our view, of the shape of the permanent NATO presence on the Eastern Flank, is shared by the Secretary General and General Breedlove.

During his meeting with the media, Macierewicz stressed the fact that Poland is aware of the threats, targeted against the Baltic States. We also understand the threats in the south, and the threats related to the immigrants, since they may have an impact on our security and lead to disintegration of the whole Europe. (...) Due to the fact that we see threats [coming at us] from every direction, we would like to support NATO in all of the fields of the alliance’s activity.