Reception of Polish President Nawrocki

Federal Chancellor Merz welcomed Polish President Karol Nawrocki on his first visit to the Federal Chancellery in Berlin.

The Federal Chancellor praised Poland as an important European neighbour and close friend of Germany. He said that Poland played a key role in the European Union and in strengthening the European pillar of NATO. The Federal Chancellor went on to say that promoting reconciliation with Poland after the horrors of the Second World War and the German occupation remained a historical responsibility for the Federal Government.

Both leaders strongly condemned the recent violations of Polish airspace by Russia. The Federal Chancellor emphasised that Germany stands firmly and unwaveringly by Poland's side in the face of the threat posed by Russia. Jointly securing the Baltic Sea region and NATO's eastern flank was, he said, a top priority. This was why the Federal Government had extended and expanded its involvement in air policing over Poland.

The Federal Chancellor and the President emphasised their solidarity with Ukraine.

Both honoured the dynamic economic, social and cultural relations between Poland and Germany.