On 26 May, during the second day of his visit to Canada, the Minister of National Defence took part in the Polish-Canadian Defence Industry Forum, which was a platform for the dialogue between the representatives of governments, Armed Forces and the defence industry.

Poland and Canada are increasing their defence spending. This creates a broad space for industrial cooperation. The participation of Canada in Polish investment projects, including joint procurement of weapons and military equipment, is possible as a result of an agreement between the European Union and Canada, which outlined the conditions of participation of Canadian companies and products in purchases made as part of the SAFE programme.

– said the Minister of National Defence 

The cooperation between Poland and Canada encompasses Canada’s participation in the SAFE mechanism as well. Poland was the key country in persuading our other partners to let Canada, as a country outside of the European Union, join this mechanism. Poland is a leader of SAFE and charts the ways of its implementation. It is worth noting that Canada is the first and so far the only country outside of the European Union that has joined the SAFE mechanism. We are here to establish joint procurement projects as well.

- said Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, the Government Plenipotentiary for the Security Action for Europe Instrument.

The meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz with the Minister of Defence David J. McGuinty was also an important part of the visit to Canada.

Poland and Canada have signed another agreement, which will allow increasing the defence capabilities between our countries. We will sell to Canada the best Polish equipment. You are an incredibly important partner for us. You give us strength and power. The trans-Atlantic relations are not just the Polish-American relationship. Today, this Polish-Canadian relationship gains new shape.

- noted the Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The Polish Minister of National Defence noted that Polish and Canadian soldiers will soon take part in more joint exercises and will develop cooperation in the area of cybersecurity.

Cooperation within NATO, strengthening trans-Atlantic security, developing cooperation of defence industries and joint action to support Ukraine were among the topics discussed.

The Ministers have also talked about increasing defence spending, the modernization of the Armed Forces and the possibilities for cooperation in the SAFE programme, as well as preparations for the NATO Summit in Ankara.

>>> GALLERY – The second day of the Minister’s of National Defence visit to Canada

The Minister of National Defence has also met with the Dame of the War Order of Virtuti Militari, Col. (ret.) Ewa Ponińska-Konopacka – a messenger in the Warsaw Uprising, awarded the Silver Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari. At the beginning of May, the Colonel has celebrated her 100th birthday. During the Warsaw Uprising, she’s served as a messenger codenamed “Ewa” in the Signals Platoon of the 228th Group “Żyrafa II”, in the II Home Army Subdistrict “Żywiciel” in Żoliborz. On 29 September 1944, during a German assault on the monastery of the Sisters of the Resurrection in Żoliborz, she’s volunteered to maintain communication with the isolated monastery. She’s moved under fire multiple times, delivering dispatches, ammunition and grenades. For her bravery, she was awarded the Order of Virtuti Militari.

During his visit in Ottawa, the Deputy Prime Minister has laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, which symbolizes all Canadians who have served their homeland during the war.