In Ottawa, Mariusz Błaszczak, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defense, met with Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand. The two leaders emphasized a united approach to Europe’s security, noting that Canadian troops operate on Polish soil while Poland provides steadfast support. Błaszczak underscored that the partnership is a practical example of Poland and Canada acting in concert to bolster collective defense.
During a press conference, the Polish defense chief described the bilateral relationship as exceptionally strong and growing. He highlighted intensified cooperation across multiple technical and military channels, insisting that both nations stand to gain from continued collaboration in defense, security, and interoperability.
He reiterated the joint stance: Poland and Canada work together to strengthen Europe’s security framework. Canadian personnel contribute to operations on Polish territory and receive Polish assistance and coordination in return.
The Polish defense minister also thanked Anand for rallying Western nations to form a coalition around Leopard tanks, which facilitated their transfer to Ukraine. He recalled Canada’s early leadership in supporting Poland’s NATO accession process and expressed appreciation for Canada’s ongoing role in Ukraine relief efforts.
Błaszczak thanked Anand for mobilizing partners to deliver Leopards to Ukraine, noting that Canada’s decision helped prompt other countries to act in a similar fashion by forming a broader tank coalition. He described Canada as a pioneer in supporting Poland’s path toward stronger defense commitments within the alliance.
Calling their frequent exchanges a proof of their solid relationship, Błaszczak asserted that their perspectives on the European security landscape align closely. He expressed confidence that their cooperation would continue to deepen in the years ahead.
The defense minister also reflected on the broader conflict in Ukraine, stressing that the war is not likely to end soon and that Russia’s imperial ambitions must be halted with all available means. He invoked the historic warning of Lech Kaczyński about regional security threats, using the Georgia case as a reminder of potential cascading dangers for neighboring states and for Poland itself.
Military equipment for Ukraine
Błaszczak acknowledged Canada’s decision to transfer Leopard tanks from its own arsenal to Ukraine, noting how that move influenced other nations to follow suit. When asked about fighter aircraft, he confirmed that Poland had previously transferred 10 MiG-29 jets to Ukraine, explaining that the aim is to support Kyiv in its defense while absorbing no pressure from allies—only the shared objective of preserving freedom for partners facing aggression.
Drawing on the memory of past regional crises, he recalled the 2008 Georgian invasion and the warning that today’s regional security threats can quickly become consequences for Poland and its neighbors if not contained.
Polish defense expenditure
During discussions, Canadian reporters questioned why Canada and Poland allocate defense spending as a share of GDP. Błaszczak stated that Poland has chosen to invest at higher levels due to perceived threats in its neighborhood, noting a target of roughly 3 percent of GDP for defense spending. He affirmed that this increased commitment is aimed at building interoperability across NATO and ensuring readiness for diverse contingencies.
He emphasized that the form of government in Russia is irrelevant to the threat it poses, underscoring a shared resolve to modernize and coordinate defense capabilities with allies in the alliance.
Poland one of the leaders
Anita Anand, speaking at a joint press conference, credited Poland as a leader in coordinating aid for Ukraine and stressed the importance of alliances on the anniversary of the victory over the Nazi Empire in 1945. She noted that Canada has historically supported Poland’s NATO membership and highlighted ongoing, long-term cooperation with Warsaw.
Canada continues to assist Ukraine through a combination of logistics, training, and equipment. Anand cited Canada’s military aid value exceeding one billion Canadian dollars and said there are about 80 Canadian personnel in Poland mentoring Ukrainian sapper and tank units and providing battlefield medical training. She pointed out that these skills are possible because Poland welcomed and facilitated such collaboration, signaling a durable partnership between the two countries.
She also highlighted Canada’s presence on NATO’s eastern flank, including Latvia, where Canada leads the enhanced Forward Presence battle group that includes a Polish contingent and a tank company. This collective effort reinforces deterrence and readiness along the alliance’s eastern edge.
Both ministers referenced the deep historical ties and mutual trust that underpin ongoing cooperation. The dialogue underscored a shared commitment toUkraine’s security, NATO cohesion, and the advancement of defense modernization and reserve forces coordination between Canada and Poland.
Visit to Canada
The Polish defense minister has been in Canada following engagements in the United States and a meeting with Canadian counterparts in Ottawa. The discussions focused on further supporting Ukraine, strengthening NATO collaboration, advancing modernization programs, and boosting cooperation between Canada’s reserve forces and Poland’s Territorial Defense Force, including potential joint exercises and training initiatives.
Officials indicated that the talks would continue, with efforts to expand practical defense cooperation and interoperability across bilateral and allied operations.
Cooperation with Canada
Plans were outlined to meet with representatives of Canada’s Standing Committee on National Defense to discuss expanding military cooperation. The two countries have previously signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation and have conducted multiple high-level meetings on Ukraine aid and regional security. Canada has pledged significant military support for Ukraine, including Leopard 2A4 tanks, armored personnel carriers, NASAMS air defense systems, and ongoing training programs for Ukrainian forces on Polish training grounds. Canadian troops participate in NATO missions and contribute to the eastern flank’s readiness and defense posture, aligning with Poland and other allies in shared security objectives.
The bilateral relationship remains anchored in a long-standing history of collaboration, shared values, and a commitment to collective defense and regional stability.
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Source: wPolityce