Poland's Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak announced on Monday that during his visit to Washington in November, he will talk with the U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis about setting up permanent U.S. Army base in Poland, that would be called Fort Trump.
Błaszczak who is visiting the United States is set to meet on Monday in Washington with U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton. The two will touch upon, among other things, setting up a permanent American military base in Poland.
Polish Minister of Defense informed that Monday's meeting will be the second one with Bolton in the White House. He added that another series of meeting have been already scheduled for 13 and 14 of November when Błaszczak is supposed to meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Out of many meetings scheduled for November, he also singled out meetings in the Pentagon. All of the planned talks are meant to concern establishing Fort Trump in Poland.
"This project will increase Poland's security. This is not only my goal, but also Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's and Commander of the Armed Forces President Andrzej Duda's as well, said Błaszczak. "The project will also positively affect the security of the whole Eastern flank of the NATO, hence the United States' involvement," he argued.
This is the fourth visit by the Polish Defense Minister to the United States. Błaszczak reassured during each of his visits devoted to the question of Poland's security, he experienced a "very warm reception" on part of his interlocutors from the Congress, the Pentagon and the White House. Błaszczak announced that, on Monday, the Deputy Foreign Minister Tomasz Szatkowski will take part in detailed discussion regarding establishing American military base in Poland, that would be called Fort Trump. These talks are being held by a working group.
The Minister of Defense underscored that Poland presented its offer to its American partners. "It's on the table, we expect feedback from the Americans. We are open (to the idea), we're discussing, considering various options, we want to find the best solution," he said. "We're prepared, the talks regarding the potential setting up such a base are ongoing. The offer is solid. I'm optimistic," said Mariusz Błaszczak in Washington on Monday.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 International, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: PAP/EPA | OLIVIER HOSLET