On Sunday, 14 December 2025, deputy prime minister and minister of national defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz began his two-day visit in the Republic of Türkiye. On the first day, the minister has visited the soldiers from the Polish Armed Forces contingent in Turkey. A meeting with Yaşar Güler, the Turkish minister of defence, is also planned during the visit.

- The Bayraktars standing behind me in this base – they are ours, Polish equipment manufactured by Turkey. So it could be said that they have returned home and serve here. Before that, Polish soldiers have been serving here for a number of years, using the Bryza systems, so I am glad that this allied NATO mission of introducing Bayraktars to patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, this mission of solidarity, improving security and deterrence, is being conducted. I would like to thank all the Polish contingents – and there is a number of them across Europe and the world – in Latvia, Romania, Iraq, Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. So there is plenty of places, where Polish soldiers are deployed. Wherever they are, they are the best showcase, both for the Polish Armed Forces and Poland. A moment ago I have been talking with the Turkish, American and Spanish commanders, as these three nations are stationed here. They have all expressed great respect for the skills of our drone pilots, ground personnel and all troops committed to this mission. I thank the hosts – the Republic of  Türkiye for their efforts, hospitality and the alliance that we all now need so much. Turkey is the second-largest NATO army, and Poland is the third, so this cooperation, including when building a new architecture of European security, is very important to us - said the deputy prime minister during the meeting with the soldiers.

The minister of national defence gave the soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces contingent in Turkey, as well as allied soldiers, medals and commemorative gorgets. 

- Those who serve on foreign missions, including here in Turkey, will not spend the coming Christmas among their loved ones. (…) I would like to wish you all a healthy and merry Christmas, a time of hope and love. Be safe and continue to serve Poland well. (…) I am extremely thankful to all the military families for the support that they give the soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces every day - stressed the minister of national defence.

In response to growing challenges with providing security at Turkish borders and the willingness of allied countries to support Turkey in this area, the Alliance has implemented the Talored Assurance Measures for Turkey (TAMT). The actions undertaken within the framework of TAMT are based on the monitoring and patrolling of the southern regions of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, and are a part of far-reaching NATO activities aimed towards building shared situational awareness in the region, in connection with the unstable political and military situation. In accordance with the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland of 14 September 2020, Poland is taking part in this mission. Soldiers patrol the eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea nd the Black Sea, cooperate with NATO standing maritime groups and the Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood.

- Turkey is a strong, resilient country, incredibly well-equipped and with a developed defence industry. We will sign a memorandum of understanding regarding security. This document is made up of tens of points – from military cooperation and shared exercises, the development of defensive industries and capabilities, to cooperation between intelligence and counterintelligence services. It is extremely important. This memorandum also entails cultural exchange and sharing experiences in many areas, including defence and history. It is all clearly laid out in the document, which we will sign tomorrow, together with the minister of defence of Turkey. (…) I would like to once again thank Turkey for the help it has given during the flood. Turkey was one of the first allied countries that gave their support – bridges were built. For this, we are very thankful. When it comes to military equipment, passive covert radars are a subject that is important to us. - said the minister of national defence.

>>> GALLERY – The minister of national defence visits the Polish Armed Forces contingent in Turkey