Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Pol : Minister Witold Waszczykowski appears on RMF FM’s Poranna Rozmowa

Among other things, the programme discussed Minister Witold Waszczykowski's latest visit to New York, where he addressed an open UN Security Council debate. 'We're fighting for a very prominent role in the world. Besides prestige, Poland's membership of the Security Council would give us two years to present any issue on this most important global forum,' emphasised the foreign minister. He added that the Security Council is a place where internationally significant political decisions are made, including on sanctions or possible use of military force. 'There are conflicts in our neighbourhood. We could seek to resolve them at the Security Council, at the UN,' explained the minister.

Minister Waszczykowski denied the reporter's claim that Henry Kissinger will be pushing for a US-Russia alliance against China. 'I had an occasion to talk to American politicians, including General Michael Flynn, who will be the new national security adviser. I spoke for over an hour to Henry Kissinger, who will be President Trump's advisor. Nobody envisages any such pact, a new Yalta, or new agreement,' stressed the chief of Polish diplomacy.

He also recalled the words of Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State in the Trump administration, who said during his Congress hearings that Russia was a threat to international peace and a geopolitical rival for the Western world. 'After he won the elections, Trump is behaving sensibly. His is the line of the mainstream Republican Party, one that warns against Russia. The President Trump team's view of the rivalry with Russia is much similar to ours,' underlined Minister Waszczykowski. He also commented on Donald Trump's announced plans to mend US-Russia relations. 'Nobody can be criticised for wanting to improve relations with Russia. We are Russia's neighbours, we'd like to see the same,' said Minister Waszczykowski. He recalled that a year ago he himself had sent his deputy, Marek Ziółkowski, on a mission to Moscow to improve relations with Russia. 'Our message to the Americans is this: if you want to [repair relations with Russia], we go along with that, but not at our expense,' stressed the MFA head.

Minister Waszczykowski commented on the suggestion made by European Council President Donald Tusk that the budget in Poland was adopted illegally, which could prove an obstacle to obtaining EU funds. 'It's the first time an EU official has spoken out against his own country. The Polish budget is legal. It was adopted pursuant to parliamentary procedure. Poland is not at risk of being cut off from EU funds, of that I'm certain,' noted Minister Waszczykowski.

Minister Waszczykowski also reaffirmed that after Brexit, Poland would be willing to host EU institutions which are now seated in the United Kingdom. 'If Brexit takes place, a number of European and international institutions and corporations will probably be looking for a place on the European continent. Poland is trying to be an attractive partner for these institutions and corporations,' declared the minister.

Asked about doubts over whether Frontex will continue to be headquartered in Warsaw, the Polish foreign policy chief said he hopes it will be the case. 'Frontex is an analytical agency tasked with protecting European borders. If we are serious about Europe's common defence policy, the starting point should be to create this European border protection agency,' said Minister Waszczykowski.

The minister went on to comment on the foreign policy address he is expected to deliver to the Sejm soon. 'I am hopeful that in a few weeks' time, I will be able to present the government's information about foreign policy. I'll be able to tell the public what Poland's environment looks like. I'll be able to set out our foreign policy vision, our response to the threats existing around Poland,' said the foreign minister.

Source: RMF FM