Minister Czaputowicz holds video call with Swedish FM
02.06.2020
The prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation, the current situation in both countries triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as regional and international issues were the topics discussed today by Minister Czaputowicz and his Swedish counterpart Ann Linde.
“Poland and Sweden have a strategic relationship and shared interests in the Baltic Sea region. Our countries will in the near future cooperate under the successive OSCE presidencies, Sweden’s in 2021 and Poland’s in 2022,” said Minister Czaputowicz. The ministers agreed about the need to reinvigorate trade and investment relations, which should facilitate the recovery of both countries’ economies. They also spoke about the international aspects of cooperation to combat Covid-19 and reducing the pandemic’s negative impact on the economy.
The Polish and Swedish foreign ministers reviewed the current issues in the Baltic Sea region. The discussion also concerned the need to support Ukraine. “The consequences of the pandemic will have a negative impact on Ukraine’s economic and budgetary situation. The international community should be ready to support President Zelensky’s Government,” said Minister Czaputowicz. The ministers jointly assessed the security environment in Donbas and the state of implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The discussion also covered the situation in Belarus, following reports of arrests of political activists who were collecting signatures of support for candidates in the presidential election.
Another important topic involved preparations for the Eastern Partnership summit in June, which is being launched at the initiative of Poland and Sweden. “Today we must strive for an ambitious cooperation agenda within the Eastern Partnership, also for bringing the participating countries closer to the EU’s internal market and its four freedoms,” emphasised Minister Czaputowicz.
The talks also focused on the prospects of EU enlargement, including the plan for accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. “Poland advocates the EU’s open door policy and really supports the countries aspiring to membership in their integration efforts,” said Minister Czaputowicz. He also recalled Poland’s recent humanitarian assistance for the Western Balkans in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
MFA Press Office
Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA
