British PM in Poland to discuss cooperation within NATO, EU reform

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday met with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, focusing on two topics -- military cooperation within NATO and the European Union (EU) reforms.

Speaking at a press conference, Cameron emphasized that "the UK is an obvious partner for Poland in both the EU and NATO... We are both NATO members and our countries fulfil the main goal on NATO -- to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defense."

He added that Britain was willing to expand the NATO East flank, as British soldiers have participated in NATO military drills in Poland and over a Baltic Sea.

Cameron also mentioned the EU reforms, calling for strengthened efforts in four aspects: the flow of people between member and non-member states, control of migration movements, strengthening of the domestic market and expanding the mandate of the parliaments of the EU member states.

"We do believe that the EU composed of nation states is important and that the power of the EU comes from diversity and flexibility towards particular needs of its members," Cameron said.

"We will look for solutions of social issues. I support the idea of free movement of people within the EU, but the problem is a scale of this movement and an increased pressure on welfare system," he added.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said "We do understand PM Cameron points about the strengthening the role of parliaments of the EU nation states, sovereignty and market competitiveness of the EU members."

She added that as for Poland the important aspects of bilateral talks is immigration and welfare system benefits for immigrants. She concluded that Britain is an important partner for Poland in both the EU and NATO structures.

The two-day official visit of Cameron to Poland started on Wednesday. The timeline of his visit included two meetings with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and an official meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday. Endit