Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski speaks with head of Finnish diplomacy

The purpose of the meeting was to exchange views on the threats to the countries in the Baltic Sea region and to foster the coordinated response of the European Union and NATO to the shared challenges.

The talks focused on the joint initiatives that may be taken up by Poland and Finland to help Ukraine and to reduce Russia's aggressive potential, and on using the Polish Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States to build resilience with the immediate partners in the region.

In regard to helping Ukraine, Poland and Finland are among the most committed supporters of Kyiv. The ministers agreed that it will be essential to complete the work on the nineteenth round of sanctions against Russia. It is imperative that Russia's proceeds from selling hydrocarbons dwindle and Moscow's military capacity be curbed. In financial terms, a mechanism to use immobilised assets of the Central Bank of Russia to fund a loan to Ukraine will be a breakthrough.

The Polish and the Finnish top diplomats hoped for an effective cooperation with the United States towards a just end of the war in Ukraine. Both Poland and Finland enjoy good bilateral contacts with Washington, with potential joint activities in perspective.

The war in Ukraine has expedited the process of strengthening the EU's and NATO's eastern flank. The ministers welcomed the drone wall initiative as discussed in general terms during the meeting of the European Political Community in Copenhagen on 1-2 October. They spoke highly of the launch of NATO's Eastern Sentry initiative as a manifestation of the Alliance's solidarity and flexibility.

The ministers highlighted the promising growth in bilateral economic relations. The trade turnover between Poland and Finland has exceeded EUR 5 billion, with Finnish companies playing a major part on the Polish market as the creators of about 26 thousand jobs. The areas with the biggest potential include the development of business ecosystems that foster innovation; modern digital industry; artificial intelligence; or financial technology companies. The two countries already work together on using quantum computers or in the field of nuclear energy, where Poland has been drawing on Finland's experience. The arms industries have cooperated successfully for many years as well. Poland and Finland have also been sharing experience in building a civil protection and defence system.

Photo: Marcin Maniewski/MFA