Login
iscover
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has pledged to maintain the close and personal relationship between Australia and Poland.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Minister Marles recently visited Warsaw in Poland and also parts of Ukraine to witness first-hand the impacts of the Ukraine-Russia war in Eastern Europe.
He met with Polish Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz to discuss both country’s commitment to the global rules-based order, supporting Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion, support of Ukraine’s self-defence, and deepening of defence cooperation and defence industry.
“There is something very personal about the relationship between Australia and Poland. There is a very significant Polish diaspora in Australia, a very large Polish community,” he said.
“As we talk about ways in which we can engage together more strategically in the future, this conversation is happening on a very strong foundation of trust, a very strong foundation of personal links.
“What we saw happen over two years ago with the Russian invasion of Ukraine simply cannot be allowed to stand. The idea of a large country seeking to impose itself on a smaller neighbour – not by reference to international law, but simply by reference to power and might – simply cannot be allowed to stand at this moment in time.
“It is an affront to the global rules‑based order. What we understand is that Australia’s national interest is deeply engaged in the maintenance of the global rules-based order around the world. In the Indo-Pacific of course, but also here in Eastern Europe.
“That is why we are so concerned by what’s happened in Ukraine, why we are so determined to play our part in supporting Ukraine so that they are able to resolve this conflict on their terms.
“When we look to the way in which Poland has provided leadership, we are very inspired by that and deeply grateful for it. And we look at Poland as a country with who we have strategic alignment now, but with whom we share values. Both democracies with a deep history and connection to democracy.”
Minister Marles emphasised agreements between Australia and Poland in defence cooperation, defence industry, and usage of similar military equipment such as the F-35 fighter aircraft.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Poland, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the two countries can work together and share a common history.
“Australia is a tried and tested friend of Poland, it is a great economic partner but also a partner in defence and military.
“Australia cooperates very closely and works together with NATO – with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – it is our partner and our friend.
“We work together in many different places and many different fields, on many different continents. We have economic and military ties.
“When it comes to military cooperation, we plan to negotiate and hopefully sign an agreement in the field of defence between Poland and Australia.
“We intend to support each other and to monitor the situation in Europe with particular attention to the situation in Ukraine. We intend to continue to support Ukraine.
“Australian soldiers have been present in Poland supporting us in protecting the deliveries for Ukraine. We appreciate this very much and as the country that neighbours Ukraine, we really, really value your support.
“We are aware of the geopolitical situation in the Pacific, we appreciate the role Australia plays in the global security together with the United States. And considering this, we appreciate your involvement in Europe even more and I would like to thank you for supplying your planes, the E-7A planes in protecting the airspace in Poland. The Australian mission has concluded and we hope it will take place in the future as well.”
