By Aleksandra Ketlerienė, LRT.lt.

In an exclusive interview with LRT, Polish President Karol Nawrocki talks about the situation of the Polish minority in Lithuania, as well as the new regional bulwark against Russia.

A few days ago you met with US President Donald Trump. What specifically did you hear about the security of our region?

I think the president was very concrete. One must be aware that he is the only leader of the free world who is ready to negotiate – partly because of his character, but above all because of the strength he represents, namely the United States. He is the only leader ready to negotiate with dictator Vladimir Putin, and we should support him in these efforts.

President Trump is also aware of the important role Poland plays in Central Europe. We have the strongest army, but we also allocate the most – as much as 4.7% of GDP – to the armed forces and their development. President Trump, during a public conversation, said that there are no plans to change the potential of American forces in Poland, and I think this is good information for the entire region.

We as Poles, and I as the President of Poland, are aware that we are responsible for entire regions of Central Europe, including the Baltic States and Lithuania. Thanks to this visit and our cooperation, we feel that we are also building our military potential in solidarity, supported across the ocean.

More read: LRT.LT