U.S., Polish presidents discuss increased NATO presence in central, eastern Europe

Polish President Andrzej Duda and U.S. President Barack Obama held a meeting ahead of the Warsaw NATO Summit in Poland, discussing bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of increased NATO's presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

"We are glad that the United States support so firmly the strengthening of NATO's military potential in our part of Europe," Duda said after the meeting.

"We were happy to welcome American soldiers participating in the Anakonda military exercises, we were happy to see them attending so numerously, we are also happy that the U.S. heavy brigade will be active in the territory of Poland," Duda added.

He also expressed hope that the Warsaw Summit would further strengthen the two countries' cooperation.

For his part, Obama said Poland will notice the increase of U.S. and NATO's presence, and the Polish nation can be sure that the NATO will stand hand in hand under any circumstances.

"We want to be present in Central and Eastern Europe, the U.S. will continue to increase its defensive and discouraging capabilities," Obama said. He said around a thousand of American soldiers will serve here on rotary basis.

Obama said Poland was one of the pillars of NATO's eastern flank, and it was participating in the U.S. anti-ballistic missile protection system.

He also emphasized that both countries were obliged to mutual protection. Obama thanked Poland for its participation in military missions and activities against ISIS and underlined that Poland, a country which allocates two percent of their GDP for the common security, is regarded by the U.S. as one of most faithful allies.

Obama, however, expressed his concern regarding Polish Constitutional Tribunal, around which a conflict has been escalating last months. "As a friend, we encourage to supporting democratic institutions," he said.

The U.S. president thanked his Polish counterpart for support given to the Ukrainian sovereignty.

Both parts agreed on the fact that sanctions against Russia should be kept until Minsk agreement conditions are fulfilled.

The NATO summit began in Warsaw on Friday, and leaders of countries and governments from 28 member countries and partner countries will attend. The main issues to be discussed are counteracting the existing threats, increase of NATO's military presence in its eastern flanks and further extension of the Alliance. Endit