Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki flew to Stockholm, where he spoke with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The talks focused on increasing Europe’s security in the military and energy fields. Sweden currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
As described in the message of the Prime Minister’s Office, the main topic of talks Mateusz Morawiecki with the head of the Swedish government Ulf Kristersson were “issues of increasing Europe’s security through support Ukraine and its citizens in the war against RussiaAlso discussed were “the most important topics concerning Polish-Swedish bilateral relations”, “the most important issues on the European agenda”, as well as the issue of preparations for accession Sweden to NATO.
Mateusz Morawiecki and Ulf Kristersson in Stockholmtwitter.com/PremierRP
What about the tenth package of sanctions? “I think he’ll be sharp enough to send a strong message.”
During a joint conference after the meeting, Morawiecki, when asked about the expected shape of the tenth package of sanctions of the European Union against Russia, replied that both Sweden and Poland agreed in principle that it should be “sharp and strong”. He noted that for this to happen, those countries that do not necessarily want to tighten sanctions need to be convinced.
– It is always a search for a golden mean, but I think it will be sharp enough to send a strong message to Russia and the Kremlin that we will not give up and that we will not give in to their pressure – said Morawiecki.
Kristersson noted that Sweden agrees on the introduction of the tenth package of sanctions. He mentioned that one of the topics discussed was the imposition of sanctions on Russia’s Rosatom. He added that there are “certain obstacles” in the way, but “there are always obstacles”.
Both prime ministers also agreed that it is necessary to use the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs to rebuild Ukraine.
Mateusz Morawiecki and Ulf Kristersson at a conference in StockholmPAP/Andrzej Lange
Morawiecki: with Sweden and Finland, NATO will be stronger
The Prime Ministers of Poland and Sweden were also asked about how to influence Turkeywhich is still not convinced about Sweden’s and Finland’s membership in NATO.
Morawiecki stated that Poland and Turkey have very good relations. – We try to use these very good relations to talk to our partners, friends from Turkey, to convince them to join NATO as soon as possible, preferably simultaneously, of Sweden and Finland – he said.
According to him, this could be a breakthrough “for security architecture in the world.” – A real game changer – assessed Morawiecki.
The head of the Polish government went on to say that the Polish side also raises this topic in talks and negotiations with American partners. – Here the role of the United States may be crucial, especially since a tender has been announced in Turkey for American F-16s. So maybe this will be a way to find a common denominator and maybe this will be a way to bring Turkey closer to the right decision.”
Morawiecki also said that he was convinced that “together with Sweden and Finland as members, NATO will be stronger.” “We need new, strong allies,” he said.
The Prime Minister of Sweden said that he was very appreciative of Poland, its assistance to Ukraine and its firm support for Finland’s and Sweden’s membership in NATO. – We appreciate that Poland was one of the first to ratify the accession protocol and talks with Turkey – added Kristersson.
Finland and Sweden applied for NATO accession in May 2021. Turkey and Hungary are the only countries that have not yet ratified the enlargement of the Alliance to include these two countries. On July 11 and 12, a NATO summit will be held in Vilnius.
The process of ratifying the membership of Sweden and Finland in the North Atlantic Alliance has begun PAP
Main photo source: PAP/Andrzej Lange