The ministers discussed among others security policy including cooperation within NATO and the Bucharest Nine, the situation in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, as well as economic cooperation and items on the European agenda, such as EU enlargement, negotiations with the UK, and migration. The top diplomats agreed that very good relations with our partners in the US are of great importance, in particular in the context of European security. Their bilateral talks also covered the prospects for the development of Polish-Czech relations and the future of regional cooperation in a new international environment created by COVID-19. Later, Minister Rau presented a comprehensive analysis of the situation of the Turów Coal Mine, trying to maintain a consensus between both sides. “We agreed that no matter what formal and legal measures the Czech side takes, our countries can reach an agreement,” emphasized the chief of Polish diplomacy.

The visit was also an opportunity to review the actions taken by the Visegrad Group during Poland’s current presidency from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. “The Visegrad Group will be celebrating its 30th birthday next year. It has proved effective on many occasions. For Poland, this format of cooperation is a key tool of strengthening the position of the region and our countries in Europe,” summed up Minister Rau when speaking about the results of the actions taken by the Polish V4 Presidency so far. Another topic relating to regional cooperation was the Three Seas Initiative and the development of its strategic infrastructural projects which are of particular interest for the Czech Republic.

MFA Press Office

photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA