The virtual meeting focused on current issues on the bilateral agenda. The deputy foreign ministers also discussed European and international issues. They agreed that the EU has to uphold the credibility of its enlargement process in the Western Balkans. The two deputy ministers exchanged views on regional cooperation in Central Europe. The situation in Belarus and the Eastern Partnership countries was also discussed. Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk pointed to the growing threat posed by Russia, as demonstrated by its activities in Belarus, Ukraine, and in cyberspace.

 Secretary of State Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk emphasised the importance that Poland attaches to a worthy commemoration of Polish victims at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp complex. The deputy minister noted that “it is essential that the Austrian authorities finalise as soon as possible the process of purchasing three privately owned plots of land at the site of the former Gusen concentration camp. We also want experts from the victims’ countries of origin, particularly from Poland, to be included in the work on conceptualising the future Gusen memorial site.”

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA