Poland as a leader in NATO security - Meeting between the Polish President and the U.S. Secretary of Defense

Warsaw has become a key stop on the European tour of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. At the Presidential Palace, he met with President Andrzej Duda to discuss regional security issues and the future of Polish-American cooperation.

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14 february 2025   |   21:12   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Marek Borawski / KPRP

Following the meeting, Hegseth emphasized Poland’s significance within NATO, stating that the country sets an example for other allies.

- Poland sets an example for others. President Andrzej Duda and I share a unified stance on strengthening NATO and ensuring that the alliance is ready to deter aggression, stated the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

A key topic of discussion was the U.S. military presence in Poland. President Andrzej Duda recalled that during Donald Trump's presidency, strategic decisions were made to strengthen Poland’s security, including the establishment of the U.S. Army V Corps Headquarters in the country.

- I used to smile at the thought of a Fort Trump in Poland, President Duda reminisced. - Today, I can say calmly and without a smile that I truly believe Fort Trump will become a reality in our country and that Donald Trump's presidency will contribute to strengthening the Polish-American alliance, including militarily, thereby enhancing Poland’s security, he added.

Duda also highlighted Poland’s long-standing support for increasing defense spending within NATO.

- I proposed this as early as March to President Joe Biden during my visit to the White House and also made this suggestion to other NATO leaders. I hope that now, especially seeing what is happening in Europe and the resurgence of Russian imperialism, no one will doubt that the policy of increasing defense spending must be implemented, he stated.

Pete Hegseth’s visit to Warsaw was the only bilateral meeting during his European tour, further underscoring Poland’s importance on the international security map. In the coming days, General Keith Kellogg, the special envoy of President Donald Trump for Ukraine, is also expected to visit Warsaw, adding to crucial discussions on the future of European security.

During the visit, the U.S. Secretary of Defense’s wife, Jennifer Hegseth, held a meeting with First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda, highlighting the diplomatic dimension of family relations.

The meeting at the Presidential Palace demonstrates that Poland is not only actively building its own security but is also becoming one of the pillars of NATO’s strengthening. Its effects may, in the future, translate into an increased presence of U.S. forces on Polish territory and further steps in building a strategic Polish-American partnership.

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