Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Meeting with Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak for talks at the Pentagon, April 20, 2022. (Photo By: Lisa Ferdinando, DOD)

APRIL 20, 2022

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak in Washington to discuss ongoing security assistance efforts for Ukraine and ways to continue to advance the U.S.-Poland defense relationship.  Secretary Austin commended Poland on the important role it continues to play to help the Ukrainian people resist Russia’s invasion and seek refuge from violence.  The two leaders also discussed Poland’s robust defense modernization plans, agreeing to work together to help the Polish military become one of the most capable in Europe.  Both leaders committed to continued close coordination in advance of the NATO Defense Ministerial and the Madrid NATO Summit taking place in June.