Russian diplomat in Warsaw for bilateral talks

“The talks focused on issues of bilateral cooperation, including issues related to the Smolensk catastrophe, legal and treaty issues, matters relating to diplomatic real-estate and historical policy. The topic of the conflict in Ukraine, and Russia's role in the fulfillment of Minsk agreement was also discussed,” Poland's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The 2010 crash of the Polish diplomatic plane in the Russian region of Smolensk saw the death of all 96 people aboard – including then-President Lech Kaczyński and several other top dignitaries.

While both Poland and Russia have concluded their own reports into the accident, the issue is still a bone of contention between the two countries over the cause of the crash.

The situation in Ukraine was also a top priority at the meeting. Poland has been active in humanitarian aid to the combat-afflicted regions of eastern Ukraine.

“Despite differences of opinion, we consider that a top priority is a permanent, peaceful settlement of the situation in the south-eastern part of [Ukraine]. We look forward to a constructive stance of Russia on this issue,” Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Konrad Pawlik was quoted as saying in a press statement.

Pawlik and his Russian counterpart Titov plan to conduct such “working consultations” every six months. (rg)

Source: IAR, PAP