Press statement
by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg after his meeting with the President of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski
Mr President, it is a pleasure to visit Poland.
This is the first country I visit as NATO Secretary-General.
It is a recognition of Poland’s strong role in our Alliance.
And a sign of NATO’s strong solidarity in these turbulent times. NATO defends and protects every Ally.
At the Wales Summit, we took ambitious decisions.
These decisions will keep NATO strong.
The Readiness Action Plan is a concrete answer to the challenges we face.
We will implement the plan in full. And we will maintain a continuous presence and activity in the eastern part of our Alliance.
Let me make clear: all these steps are defensive and fully in line with our international commitments.
Poland is contributing to our collective defence with planes, ships and troops.
And you are working with Germany and Denmark to enhance the Multinational Corps Headquarters North East in Szczecin.
This headquarters is further confirmation that NATO is in Poland and with Poland.
It also shows the importance of regional cooperation.
And the difference cooperation can make to each country’s security.
Poland is committed to strong defence. I thank you for it, and for the personal leadership you have shown in both the defence of Poland and strengthening the collective defence of our Alliance.
Polish troops serve with great distinction in Afghanistan, and in Kosovo.
You are a key contributor to our Missile Defence system.
Soon, Poland will spend 2% of its Gross Domestic Product on defence. And that is aso important because we are reaching the goal we have set ourselves to allocate 2 % to our defence.
And you are making the right decisions to invest in new equipment and capabilities.
Mr President, you have been a driving force for strong defence of your country. And a strong promoter of Allied solidarity.
And I would personally like to thank you for offering to host our next NATO Summit in Poland in 2016.
Poland’s contribution to the security of NATO is vital. And NATO’s contribution to the security of Poland is and will remain rock solid.