Congress meetings
During a visit to Washington, President Andrzej Duda discussed defense spending and security issues with U.S. lawmakers. A key point was a proposal to raise NATO defense spending from 2 percent to 3 percent of GDP, a suggestion that drew a positive response from several American representatives. The president highlighted the economic and military commitment of allied nations as a sign of solidarity and shared responsibility.
In Washington, the Polish leader met with various members of Congress, including the Speakers of the House and Senate leaders from both parties. He described the conversations as constructive and meaningful, emphasizing the importance of steady, bipartisan cooperation on security matters regardless of shifts in political leadership in either country.
“The core message is that our relationship remains strong and durable”, he stated to Polish media after the meetings. “We have built a solid foundation over 25 years of Polish participation in NATO, including the period after 1989 when Poland and the United States formed a resilient alliance. These ties have withstood changes in governments and parliamentary majorities.”
He added that the discussions covered the current security climate and the 25th anniversary of Poland’s NATO presence. The conversations, he noted, provided a clear picture of the security environment today and the strategic path forward for both nations.
“I am encouraged by the positive reception to the proposal to increase NATO defense spending to 3 percent of GDP”, the president commented. “This demonstrates strong solidarity and a shared commitment to collective defense among allies.”
During the visit, Duda also acknowledged the enduring American role in Poland’s security framework. He thanked the U.S. for its support and the weapons acquisitions undertaken with American partners, underscoring that America’s presence in Poland is a critical element of regional stability. He stressed that this presence strengthens the sense of security for Poles and for the broader European region in light of ongoing regional challenges.
Referring to Ukraine, the president stated that safety in the region requires unwavering support for Kyiv. He asserted that Ukraine’s defense against aggression is worthy of Western assistance, including modern Western and American defense technologies that could turn the tide in Ukraine’s favor. He warned that allowing aggression to go unchecked would threaten European security and NATO cohesion. The message was clear: deterring aggression remains essential for Poland, Europe, and the alliance as a whole.
He emphasized that stopping Russian imperialism is a shared responsibility for NATO, led by the United States, and that this effort is central to maintaining stability in the eastern flank of the alliance.
In closing remarks, the president underscored the importance of a strong transatlantic partnership and the continued collaboration with American lawmakers to reinforce the security of both nations and their partners in the region. The discussions reflected a mutual commitment to a secure, stable Europe and a robust defense posture that can deter threats and sustain peace.
Sources indicate ongoing conversations between Polish leadership and U.S. officials regarding defense cooperation and regional security strategies, highlighting the long-standing ties and shared interests that have defined the alliance since the late 20th century. [Attribution: wPolityce, PAP]