On Wednesday, June 30, soldiers of the 13th rotation of Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan returned to Poland together with the commander, Colonel Paweł Pytko. Polish soldiers have been present in Afghanistan for almost 20 years. Over 33 thousand soldiers and employees of the Ministry of National Defense participated in the mission.

The results of the last NATO summit in Brussels and current European initiatives in the field of defense and security were the topics of the second day of the meeting of defense ministers of the Visegrad Group, which was held in Elbląg under the chairmanship of Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.

- You are starting a new mission, a mission in Turkey. This is the first rotation, however, as Mr. President said, you are experienced soldiers. On the one hand you build a strong position of Poland within the North Atlantic Alliance, and on the other hand you gain experience that develop your military capabilities - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense during the meeting with soldiers serving in Turkey as part of the North Atlantic Alliance's operation, TAMT.

- Yesterday, the presidents of Poland and Turkey talked about security on NATO’s eastern flank, including the security of Poland and Turkey. They also discussed our military cooperation. This is the framework that we, the defense ministers, fill with a content - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense after the meeting with Hulusi Akar, the Minister of National Defense of Turkey.

- Today we have signed a contract for the purchase of four sets of combat drones. The sets will consist of 24 tactical UAVs equipped with anti-tank missiles. Together with armaments, we purchased a logistics and training package - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense after signing the contract for the purchase of 4 Bayraktar TB2 MALE tactical UAV sets for the Polish Army.

- The "Justice Sword 21" exercise is a readiness test for our soldiers. Polish-Romanian military exercises allow us to ensure the security of our countries, but also security on the eastern and southern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance - said Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of Polish National Defense during the international exercise at the training ground in Romania.

- I had the opportunity to talk with the Romanian Minister of Defense. I am grateful for being able to share my comments and thoughts. Thank you for the conversation that meets our expectations. Our friendly relations date back a long time (...) Our cooperation is very close - said Mariusz Błaszczak, Polish Minister of National Defense during the meeting with the Romanian Minister of Defense.

- During the meeting we discussed the EU security issues. In one of the sessions, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg focused the discussions on the EU - NATO relations. I am very glad that the view Poland consistently presents, that the EU should not compete with the Alliance, is the view shared by the majority, said Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense.

"Representing Polish Armed Forces abroad is both an honor and a responsibility. I know that you are well prepared for the tasks awaiting for you. You have repeatedly confirmed your professionalism, excellent training and high efficiency in action" - wrote Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense in a letter to the soldiers of the first rotation of Polish Military Contingent in Turkey.

- The Forward Command of the V Corps is in Poznań and has already started its activities. I am very glad that, according to the proposal of the American side, Polish general will be appointed to the position of the deputy commander in the Fort Knox, therefore in the command of the V Corps. It will be major general Adam Joks. Our cooperation proves very strong Polish-American relations in the defense domain - said Mariusz Błaszczak, the Minister of National Defense after the meeting with lieutenant general John Kolasheski, the commander of the V US Army Corps.