Poland’s Freedom is America’s Freedom: Biden

ANKARA – US President Joe Biden on Saturday thanked his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, telling him that the freedom of the Polish people is also the freedom of Americans, a message seemingly aimed at Moscow.

On a two-day visit to Poland, Biden underlined the importance of NATO, calling the bloc’s collective defense agreement a “sacred commitment.”

According to a White House statement, “President Biden underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Article 5 (on collective defense) and to the security of all our NATO allies.”

Ukraine has sought more help from NATO in repelling Russian forces.

“The leaders discussed ongoing international efforts to impose powerful sanctions on Russia for its unjustified and unprovoked attack on Ukraine,” the White House added.

“They also discussed their shared commitment to continue supporting the government and people of Ukraine.”

Biden thanked Duda for Poland’s efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees. The statement said Biden “pledged continued U.S. support to these humanitarian assistance efforts.”

He also noted that Poland is shouldering the brunt of the humanitarian crisis, and that at least 2 million of the 3.5 million people who have fled Ukraine have arrived in Poland.

Biden, who recently promised that the US would accept 100,000 refugees, also said that NATO allies should do more.

They also discussed “robust bilateral defense cooperation, US support for Europe’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and to meet our climate goals, and the democratic values on which the transatlantic relationship is based,” it said.