WARSAW, April 22. /TASS/. Poland and Slovenia do not support Russia’s isolation but favor dialogue based on partnership with the expansion of NATO’s presence, the two countries’ presidents Andrzej Duda and Borut Pahor told a joint news conference in Warsaw on Friday.
"We do not advocate Russia’s isolation. We believe that dialogue with Russia should continue, but on the partnership positions, that is, with the countries and the responsible, strong and joint NATO. It is important for the Russian side to feel that it holds talks not with a weak but with a serious partner who is ready for collective defense of its territory," Duda said.
"There is no doubt that it’s necessary to expand NATO’s presence both in our part of Europe and in the south where there are potential threats as well. But this by no means rules out the ongoing dialogue with Russia. These are two things that need to go hand in hand," the Polish leader said.
For his part, the Slovenian president noted that his country understood the security concerns of Poland and Baltic countries and their desire to boost their defense capabilities. "Slovenia has no ambitions or desire to build special relations with Russia. However, against the backdrop of difficult relations between Brussels and Moscow, we are trying to see the path leading to the solution of problems. I believe in the peaceful solution of difficult issues. We need to keep up the dialogue and show the right path," Pahor said.
The two countries’ presidents also discussed during the meeting in Warsaw the current migrant crisis, preparations for the NATO summit, the situation in Ukraine and bilateral partnership, including the development of the transport and energy infrastructure.