NATO, EU relations debated in Warsaw as Alliance head holds talks with Russian president

Headed by MP Stanislaw Wziatek and Senator Maciej Klima, it is the first such meeting held within the framework of the just-opened Polish presidency of the EU Council.

During the gathering, President Bronislaw Komorowski stressed that the defence- and security-related issues constitute the priorities of Poland’s presidency in the Council of the European Union. He added that EU countries must continue to work on boosting a common defence policy.

The head of state also spoke of the need to establish common defence mechanisms within NATO, especially in the light of the most recent developments in North Africa.

“It is our conviction that our experience combined should encourage us to a deeper reflection on the question whether, and how, one can contribute to boosting collaboration between the EU and NATO,” Komorowski said that the meeting.

Meanwhile, the gathering coincides with a three-day visit of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to Russia, where the official will hold talks with President Dmitri Medvedev at his residence in Sochi on the current situation in Libya. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected to attend.

Russia is critical of NATO’s operations in the country, claiming that campaign has abandoned its initial goal to protect the civilians and is now interfering with the domestic affairs, with its goal to abolish the Libyan government. (aba/jb)

Source: IAR/PAP