The dialogue partners reaffirmed the close and friendly relations between the two countries and expressed their support for the further deepening of political and economic cooperation and the expansion of contacts between the two countries.

They exchanged views on current issues in the EU context, focusing on enlargement and internal reforms of the EU, as well as the rule of law. State Secretary Štucin stressed that discussions on internal EU reforms should take place in parallel with the EU enlargement process, a view shared by his hosts. The importance of respect for the rule of law as one of the EU’s core values was underlined.

In their discussions on current international issues, they all pointed to the need to continue to support Ukraine and to help the Western Balkan countries to make progress. In the context of the strategic importance and geopolitical necessity of continuing the enlargement process, State Secretary Štucin considered that the credibility of the Union requires that special attention be paid to the Western Balkans. He also expressed support for the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. With regard to the situation in the Middle East, he expressed his concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and underlined the need to protect civilians.

In the margins of his visit to Warsaw, State Secretary Štucin also met with Ms Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.